The safety of everyone on campus is paramount. That’s why the university is working closely with the police to create a safe environment. Currently there are no clear signals indicating disruptions that would pose a risk to staff and students. We are extra alert and will take immediate action should these signals change.

This doesn’t change the fact that the possibility of a protest can also create an unsafe feeling. We’re committed to supporting everyone affected by recent events. The following resources are available:

In case of an emergency
In the event of an immediate physical threat or emergency, call security.

020 525 2222
This number is not intended for general, non-urgent questions about safety.

Staff

• Do you have questions or concerns? Are you experiencing problems in your work? You can discuss this with your supervisor.
• Are you in distress? Please contact staff welfare services or Slachtofferhulp Nederland (victim support services outside the UvA).
• You can always contact a confidential adviser.
• Do you want to file a complaint about police brutality? You can find more information on the police website.

Students

There are different people you can approach, such as a study adviser, a student psychologist or a confidential adviser. Read more on the student site.

Discussions

Discussions have been organised at various places within the UvA providing an opportunity to talk about recent events. Further discussions can be organised if needed.

If the events surrounding the protest affect your study progress, please contact a study adviser.

For lecturers looking for tips on how to get a conversation going about the impact of the demonstrations, the Teaching & Learning Centre offers tools and support.

Demonstrating is allowed and there is always room for protests at the UvA, but without face coverings, blockades, overnight stays or an atmosphere of intimidation.

The UvA's commitment is always to ensure that the protest is peaceful. We try to maintain a dialogue with demonstrating students and staff. But house rules also apply. No face coverings, no overnight stays. We don't want an atmosphere of intimidation on campus, nor any vandalism. If that’s not possible or these house rules are broken, we ask demonstrators to leave. In case of disruptions, threats or signs of them, the police are informed. At this point it is only communication between organisations. In principle nothing happens, when informing. The police sometimes visit to assess the situation for themselves.

On their website, the police say the following: ‘The police accompany demonstrations at the request of the mayor to ensure safety for demonstrators and the surrounding area. De-escalation is the focus of any actions.’ And: ‘The police act when offences are committed, agreements made are not kept or the health of demonstrators or bystanders is at risk.'

Read more in Dutch on the police website.

If demonstrators do not follow the rules, they are first warned by the UvA and then, if necessary, by the police. Demonstrators are thereby asked to leave by a university representative. A report is filed if offenses are committed by protesters, or have been committed, such as vandalism or burglary.

The UvA also files a report if people's safety is at stake (for example, if areas or emergency exits are blocked) and if people refuse to leave UvA premises after closing time.

If a demonstration takes place on UvA grounds or in a UvA building, the university will call in the help of the police if our own security is not sufficient, or if things happen that lie outside their authority.

The competent authority (public prosecutor and/or mayor) can ultimately decide whether and how the police should act. The UvA’s only role here is to inform and assess the risks to the UvA.

• The police warn the protesters and, on behalf of the mayor, give them instructions to leave. If they do not comply, the mayor can prohibit the demonstration.
• The Public Prosecutor's Service or the mayor ultimately decides whether and how the police should act. It is not up to the University of Amsterdam (UvA) to determine how the police operate.
• In the most extreme case, the police are allowed to use force. This is subject to strict conditions and is always reviewed afterward.

Read more (in Dutch) on the police website.

The total cost of the damage caused by the occupations and destruction in May and June 2024 during protests on UvA campuses amounts to €4.1 million.

The UvA will recover damages from the perpetrators, if legally feasible. Unfortunately, in such situations, it is not always clear exactly who is responsible for what. Any damages that cannot be recovered from the perpetrators will be claimed from the UvA’s insurance.