Improving Interpretation for LGBTIQ+ Asylum Seekers in the Netherlands

What is it about?

Seeking asylum can be a life-or-death matter—especially for people fleeing persecution due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. In the Netherlands, like elsewhere, these asylum claims often hinge on interviews where the applicants must explain their personal experiences in detail. Since these interviews are typically conducted through interpreters, the outcome of a case may depend heavily on how well the interpreter conveys the applicant’s story. This article looks closely at how interpreters are selected and trained for such cases, and what challenges they face. Many interpreters lack specific training in how to talk about gender, sexuality, and trauma—especially when working across cultures and languages that may not even have words for certain identities. The authors find that even though Dutch policies have improved in some ways, there is still no system in place to ensure that interpreters are fully prepared, properly supported, or held to consistent standards in these highly sensitive situations. To fix this, the article suggests detailed policy reforms—such as developing specialized training and accreditation, offering emotional support for interpreters, and recording interviews to ensure accountability. In short, the article shows that getting the words right in an asylum interview is not just a technical issue—it’s a matter of justice.

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Photo by Kaja Sariwating on Unsplash

Photo by Kaja Sariwating on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This publication is both timely and urgent. Around the world, increasing numbers of people are being forced to seek asylum due to persecution tied to their sexual orientation or gender identity. Yet, the tools host countries rely on to assess their claims—especially the use of interpreters—are often ill-equipped to capture the complexity of their experiences. This work centers the role of the interpreter as a co-participant in asylum processes, rather than a neutral mouthpiece. It exposes how systemic neglect of interpreter training, oversight, and emotional well-being can unintentionally sabotage the fairness of asylum hearings. The article highlights concrete gaps in Dutch policy and offers actionable recommendations. It provides a roadmap for making asylum procedures more humane and just—not only in the Netherlands but across Europe and beyond. It reminds us that justice begins with understanding, and understanding begins with language.