Utrecht parties raise concerns over reports of rats, mice, and insects at asylum center

Seven parties on the Utrecht city council have raised concerns about conditions at the asylum seekers’ center (azc) in Oog in Al. Residents have reported serious problems involving rats, mice, and insects inside the facility.

A resident previously described the conditions on the radio program De Publieke Tribune. “Where I live is actually very dirty,” she said. “It is full of rats and insects. I sleep and shower with them. Also in the kitchen. Everywhere in my sandwich toaster there are insects and rats. And in my bed and in my room. Literally everywhere.”

The reports prompted the Utrecht branch of the ChristenUnie to ask questions of the city government. The party, along with six other council groups, wants to know whether the municipality has contacted the Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers (COA) about the situation.

The parties are also asking how often hygiene inspections are carried out at the azc and which organization is responsible for monitoring conditions.

According to the ChristenUnie, residents have said the problems have been reported to the Central Agency for the Reception of Asylum Seekers for a long time. The parties also want clarification on how much residents can do themselves to help maintain a clean living environment.

The Utrecht council parties said they want answers because “everyone who is accommodated in Utrecht has the right to a safe, healthy, and humane living environment.”