Samenvatting

The purpose of this report is to document research conducted at The Hague University of Applied Sciences, commissioned by The Hague’s International Affairs Department, on the topic of the Bethel’s church asylum of the Tamrazyan family in The Hague. The specific case of the Tamrazyan family, who found sanctuary in Bethel’s Chapel and community centre, has been researched to find out whether it strengthened The Hague’s brand of peace and justice. In order to answer this question, a theoretical framework has been set up to limit the research. It has been decided to focus on the Tamrazyan case to limit the
research. More importantly, because no research has been done into this specific case yet. The qualitative desk has been chosen to conclude this research. Used sources include academic sources, institutional sources, official governmental, municipal and local documents of the city of The Hague, journalistic sources and three conducted interviews.

The results showed that Bethel’s church asylum did not only bring harmony between the participating churches and NGOs, but it also contributed to the overall harmony in The Hague. It showed that churches and NGOs can have direct influence inside a local community by stimulating discussions on peace policy issues and human rights. Additionally, the widespread support and attention by means of media coverage caught people’s attention at home and abroad. The Hague’s City Branding Bureau, that monitors Hague’s brand of Peace and Justice, stimulates independent local initiatives that also
strengthen the brand of Peace and Justice. Bethel’s church asylum is seen as one. The discussion showed that justice can be interpreted in different ways. It is a fact that both sides simplify the demand for a clear and fair application procedure for asylum-seekers.

These findings led to the conclusion that the Bethel’s church asylum of the Tamrazyan family increased the image of the international profile of Peace and Justice. However, it did not only result in a residence permit for the Tamrazyan family, but it is also believed to be the cause for the turning point in Dutch government concerning the children’s pardon. The International Affairs Department is recommended to actively monitor more on cases such as the Bethel’s church asylum, to cooperate more often with local churches and to provide more clear information about the Dutch application procedure for asylum-seekers.

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