Race discrimination case over child’s swim puts ‘Dutch paradox’ in focus
Father of boy refused entry to pool says case is reminder that some Dutch do not acknowledge reality of racism When Henri Duiker went to check whether his 12-year-old son and his friend were enjoying their first “disco” swim evening alone, he was baffled. Instead of being in the water, Henri’s son was standing alone by the desk at the Watergeus pool, in Zoetermeer in the Netherlands. He did not have any ID to prove he was under 13 and pool attendants had told him he could not swim – although his
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Henri Duiker: ‘I am a Dutchman … but I’m still a foreigner for some people.’ Photograph: Judith Jockel/The GuardianView image in fullscreenHenri Duiker: ‘I am a Dutchman … but I’m still a foreigner for some people.’ Photograph: Judith Jockel/The GuardianNetherlandsRace discrimination case over child’s swim puts ‘Dutch paradox’ in focusFather of boy refused entry to pool says case is reminder that some Dutch do not acknowledge reality of racismSenay Boztas in ZoetermeerWed 8 Jul 2026 07.52 EDTLast modified on Wed 8 Jul 2026 08.20 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleWhen Henri Duiker went to check whether his 12-year-old son and his friend were enjoying their first “disco” swim evening alone, he was baffled.
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