Deserving refugees? The evolution of a concept in the Dutch Republic (1570-1730s)

The Dutch word for ‘refugee’ (vluchteling) is relatively new according to the Woordenboek der Nederlandsche Taal and traces its origin to the early seventeenth century. It only became common in general language at the end of that century, specifically as a description for Protestants fleeing religious persecution and oppression in France. This linguistic development, however, must be seen in the light of a long-term and broader socio-cultural change in the attitude against foreigners. This study examines this development. It questions when, how and why the concept of ‘the refugee’ evolved into a specific category of migrant. To examine the emergence and evolution of the concept of ‘refugee’ during a period when this term was not part of a formal legal vocabulary, I distinguished between the development of the concept as a type of migrant and the terminology that was actually used. The concept was shaped by the distinction between ‘desirable’ and ‘undesirable’, and between those deemed ‘deserving’ and ‘undeserving’ of aid. The evolution of the ‘deserving refugee’ was driven by administrative needs, religious and geopolitical dynamics, economic interests of local elites, and the advocacy efforts of displaced communities. These factors collectively shaped the understanding of the ‘refugee’.