Children Face Permanent Damage on Rotterdam's Emergency Asylum Ship
Rotterdam, 26 March 2026
Nearly 600 children living on the Silja asylum ship in Rotterdam are developing serious physical and mental health problems, with doctors warning of permanent brain damage if conditions persist. Healthcare professionals have resigned in protest over windowless rooms, children sleeping without parents, and medical care provided in a former swimming pool, affecting 578 minors among 2,000 residents on the vessel.
Medical Staff Sound Urgent Warnings
Healthcare professionals working aboard the Silja have issued stark warnings about the long-term consequences for children housed in these conditions. Dr Caroline Reincke, a physician who has observed the situation, stated: “Als we zo langer doorgaan, door ze 1 jaar of 2 jaar op die boot op te vangen, dan durf ik echt te zeggen dat we permanente schade aanrichten. Het is ook bekend dat kinderen hersenschade oplopen, dat er cognitieve stoornissen komen, dat er echt emotionele ontwikkeling verstoord raakt in zo’n situatie” [1]. The vessel currently houses 2,000 asylum seekers, including 578 children and 419 individuals aged 18-23, many of whom are unaccompanied [1].
Deteriorating Health Conditions
Staff members have documented a pattern of recurring health complaints among the children, with both physical and psychological symptoms becoming increasingly prevalent. Nurse Joelle, who resigned due to her concerns about the conditions, explained her frustration: “Het frustreerde dat je goede zorg wil geven, maar dat eigenlijk niet kan doen en daardoor er eigenlijk mijns inziens soms onnodige medische problematiek ontstond” [1]. The physical complaints include stomach problems, nausea, and sleep issues, whilst mental health problems manifest as anxiety, behavioural issues, and anger [1]. Healthcare provision takes place in the ship’s former swimming pool, and many children sleep in windowless rooms without their parents [1].
Institutional Warnings Go Unheeded
Concerns about asylum-seeking children’s welfare have been escalating since September 2025, when Save the Children reported that hundreds of asylum-seeking children were experiencing stress, malnutrition, and anxiety disorders in unsafe shelters [1]. In February 2026, the Inspectie Gezondheidszorg en Jeugd (IGJ) reported that conditions for vulnerable groups in asylum accommodation remained unchanged, with Head Inspector Angela van der Putten expressing particular worry about stress, uncertainty, and the development of children [1]. Despite a letter of concern sent by doctors in April 2025, nurse Joelle noted that “zelfs met een brandbrief was er eigenlijk geen urgentie. En dat is ons ook echt wel kwalijk genomen dat we dat hebben gedaan” [1].
Long-Term Housing Commitment Despite Concerns
In November 2025, Rotterdam municipality decided that the asylum ship would remain operational until at least the end of 2027, with the possibility of extending this period further [1]. An anonymous doctor currently working on the ship reported: “Ondanks de enorme inzet van de vele medewerkers, zie ik elk spreekuur mensen die door de leefomstandigheden op de Silja mentale problemen en fysieke klachten ervaren” [1]. The number of children aboard has increased due to pressure on asylum reception facilities and a nationwide shortage of suitable housing [1]. Both the COA (Central Agency for Reception of Asylum Seekers) and Rotterdam municipality acknowledge that emergency shelter boats are not ideal housing solutions, but maintain they remain necessary due to national accommodation shortages [1]. Since 1 January 2026, GZA (healthcare) and COA have been collaborating under a new agreement focusing on quality and commitment, though local staff report that improvements remain limited [1].