Around half of the Moroccans and Turks living in the Netherlands do not feel Dutch and youngsters in particular feel alienated, according to a new report for the government’s social policy institute SCP.

At the same time, over 90% say they do not understand why people leave the Netherlands to fight for IS or are prepared to use violence to support religious aims.

Youngsters in particular feel they are seem as immigrants or Muslims rather than individuals. They tend to mistrust the media, police and politicians and do not feel that they belong, the researchers found.

In total, a representative sample of almost 3,300 people with Turkish or Moroccan origins were interviewed for the research.

The research was commissioned by social affairs minister Lodewijk Asscher following the publication of a controversial report showing 80% of Dutch Turkish youngsters would not condemn jihadi violence.

That report was later shown to have ‘serious shortcomings’ and to have been highly selective in its interviewees.

Jihad

In the new report, just one in seven youngsters with a Turkish background and one in nine young Moroccans said they has some understanding of why people committed religious violence.

This does not necessarily mean they would consider joining jihadi movements, the researchers said.

Minister

Asscher said in reaction to the report that he is not surprised so many youngsters feel alienated from Dutch society.

‘Geert Wilders recently said without any shame that the PVV was looking for prospective MPs who have an aversion to Islam,’ Asscher said. ‘And then he is voted politician of the year. Is it any wonder Muslims don’t feel at home?’

‘Do not be a victim of your circumstances, but be assertive and improve them,’ he said on Nos television.