The number of people reporting discrimination to the Dutch human rights institute rose sharply last year, though it remains unclear what is driving the increase. The council says it received 2,478 reports of discrimination in 2025, more than a third up on 2024.

The increase may reflect an increase in discrimination in society, but it could also be that people are more aware of the watchdog and are more willing to report their experiences, the institute said.

Most reports concerned discrimination based on gender, followed by race and disability or chronic illness.

There was also a notable increase in complains about discrimination relating to age.  “Age discrimination is not only against the law, it also means a great deal of talent remains unused,” the institute said.

People can file a report with the council without any direct legal consequences. They can also ask the body to issue a formal opinion on whether discrimination has taken place but the companies or agencies which have been reported do not have to implement its findings.

However, the rulings can carry significant weight if a case ends up in court.

In total, the institute received 853 requests for an opinion last year, finding there had been discrimination in 63% of them. In 2021, only about a third of cases were upheld.