About this project

Workplace discrimination can take many forms, including unequal treatment, racist remarks, stereotyping, harassment, exclusion and retaliation after someone raises a concern. People affected by such conduct may not know whether their experience is legally recognised as discrimination, what evidence they should collect or where they can obtain support.

This project was developed to make that information clearer and more accessible, with particular attention to the experiences of Asian workers in the Netherlands.

Project partners

Asian Voices Europe & Fair Work and Equality Law Clinic, University of Amsterdam

We thank the students, coordinators, interview participants and community members whose knowledge and experiences contributed to this project.

What the project examined

The research addressed questions including:

• How is workplace discrimination defined under Dutch law?

• What evidence can help demonstrate discrimination?

• What responsibilities do employers have when discrimination occurs?

• How can an employee raise a complaint with a manager or HR department?

• What legal assistance and public support are available?

• What roles can trade unions and works councils play?

• How can a complaint be submitted to the Netherlands Institute for Human Rights?

• What should workers consider when taking sick leave, leaving employment or seeking unemployment benefits during a dispute?

Project approach

Asian Voices Europe gathered and organised questions from members of the Asian community. Students from the Fair Work and Equality Law Clinic reviewed these questions, conducted legal research and interviewed people of Asian descent about their experiences in Dutch workplaces.

The resulting report connects relevant legal protections with the practical realities faced by workers. It is intended as an accessible starting point for employees, community organisations and others seeking to understand and address workplace discrimination.

Final Report

The findings and practical guidance are available in the final report.

The report provides general information and should not be treated as legal advice for an individual case. Anyone facing workplace discrimination should consider contacting a qualified legal adviser, trade union, anti-discrimination service or the Netherlands Institute for Human Rights.