The Ukrainians who had been on one of the ships on Java Island since mid-March suddenly had to pack their things this morning. The owner of the ship only wanted to receive women, children and ethnic Ukrainians. “Run your hand over your heart and let those people in,” said a local resident.
Passers-by and people in the neighborhood reacted with shock: “I saw an overcrowded bus drive away and a new one arrive,” says a woman. “I thought, they are being exchanged with new refugees, but I did not know that they had to leave. It is harrowing to see those people leave by bus.” It touches her especially, because she felt that she could have been it herself. “I was thinking about that this morning. It’s moving.”
“Come on,” says another resident. “Don’t be so hard. It’s not forever. Run your hand over your heart and let those people in.”
The municipality rents the shelter locations for refugees in the city, but is not willing and unable to comply with the demands of the owner of the boat. That is why the cooperation between the ship and the municipality has been discontinued. New reception locations are being sought for the refugees. For example, a number of them went to the WOW Hostel in Nieuw-West.
Some were taken care of by the neighbour, Peter Versluis. He owns the other boat on Java Island that has been taking in refugees for two weeks. A number of Ukrainians who were put aside are therefore allowed to stay on his boat. Versluis has a second boat in Wieringerwerf that can possibly come to Amsterdam. He is in consultation with the municipality about this.
‘Amsterdam condemns the behavior and statements’
The mayor Femke Halsema has given a written response: “This is unacceptable and in violation of Article 1 of the constitution. Ethnicity or gender does not determine whether you are received and protected. But the motives for fleeing, the fear of persecution, war and violence. Amsterdam condemns the behavior and statements of the owner of the boat.”
The captain of the boat where the refugees had to leave does not want to comment on AT5/NH Amsterdam. He refers to the municipality of Amsterdam.