SCHALKHAAR – A 29-year-old queer asylum seeker, known to his community as Shumar, has died by suicide at the asylum seekers' center (AZC) in Schalkhaar. His death, which occurred Tuesday morning, was announced by LGBT Asylum Support, an organization that had been assisting him.
In a statement, Sandro Kortekaas of LGBT Asylum Support described the news as a complete shock. Kortekaas had been in contact with Shumar since late 2023, after he was forced to abandon his studies and seek protection in the Netherlands. His journey through the asylum system highlights the specific vulnerabilities faced by many LGBTQ+ individuals seeking refuge.
A Search for Safety and 'My People'
Initially housed in an LGBTIQ+ unit at the Ter Apel AZC, Shumar was later transferred to an emergency shelter in Assen. He expressed feeling profoundly unsafe there, writing in a message to his support network, "I really need my people at the next camp."
Following this report, he was successfully transferred to the AZC in Schalkhaar. According to those who knew him there, he found the community he was desperately seeking. He was described as being loved by fellow residents and staff, and had found what he called his "family." This context makes his sudden death particularly difficult for the community to process, leaving many unanswered questions.
A Troubling Pattern
Shumar's death is not an isolated tragedy. He is the 10th known queer asylum seeker to have died by suicide while living in a Dutch reception facility since 2021. This statistic raises significant concerns about the adequacy of mental health services and protective measures for one of the most vulnerable populations within the asylum system. Advocacy groups have consistently called for more specialized psychological support and safer housing conditions tailored to the needs of LGBTQ+ asylum seekers.
Condolences have been extended to Shumar's friends, fellow residents, the COA staff at AZC Schalkhaar, his asylum lawyer Inge Zuidhoek, and volunteers at COC Deventer who supported him.
Support and Resources
This news can be distressing. If you are struggling or have suicidal thoughts, please know that confidential help is available. You are not alone.
- 113 Zelfmoordpreventie: Call 113 or 0800-0113 for immediate, anonymous support. You can also chat online via their website at 113.nl. The service is available 24/7.
