In 2025, digital access is not a luxury — it is a prerequisite for full participation in modern life. From government services and healthcare to education and employment, virtually every aspect of life in the Netherlands now requires some degree of digital literacy and access.
The Digital Divide and Its Human Rights Implications
For newcomers — whether refugees, asylum seekers, or recent migrants — the digital divide can be devastating. Without access to smartphones, computers, or reliable internet, and without the skills to use them effectively, individuals are cut off from critical information and services that others take for granted.
Under international human rights frameworks, access to information is a fundamental right. When digital barriers prevent newcomers from accessing government portals, health insurance systems, or job platforms, their basic rights are being undermined.
Common Barriers Faced by Newcomers
Language barriers: Most digital platforms and government portals are in Dutch. For newcomers still learning the language, navigating these systems is extremely challenging.
Financial barriers: Devices, data plans, and internet connections cost money that many newcomers simply don't have during their first months in the country.
Skills gaps: Digital literacy is not universal. Many newcomers come from contexts where digital infrastructure was limited.
Trust and safety concerns: Experiences of surveillance or state control in countries of origin can make newcomers wary of sharing information online.
How NetImpact Is Responding
Stichting NetImpact's digital inclusion programmes are designed to address all of these barriers simultaneously. Our workshops combine practical skills training with multilingual support, ensuring that participants not only learn how to use digital tools but understand why doing so safely and confidently is important for their independence.
The Bigger Picture
Digital inclusion must be understood as a human rights imperative, not merely a technical or educational issue. Governments, civil society organisations, and businesses all have a role to play in ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital age.