Peace, justice & equality

Human rights are the foundations of a democracy in which every person counts, in all places, at all times. The Netherlands strives to protect and promote human rights all over the world.

The development of international law is an integral part of the foreign policy of the Netherlands. It is enshrined in the Dutch constitution. The Hague is known as the legal capital of the world. As such, the city has become the seat of many international legal organisations such as Europol, Eurojust, the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court and the International Criminal Tribunal of the former Yugoslavia (ICTY).

The Hague also hosts the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. The OPCW is responsible for monitoring compliance with the ban on chemical weapons and their destruction.

As a leading proponent of Human Rights, at home and abroad, the Netherlands supports freedom of speech, gender equality, and fair access to education, work and healthcare. The Dutch government strives to protect and promote human rights all over the world. Besides the Netherlands Institute of Human Rights, it is also home to the European Court of Human Rights.

The Netherlands has long had a reputation for stability and justice. It plays an active role in preventing armed conflict worldwide and strengthening the international legal order by, for instance, participating in peace missions and supporting reconstruction in post-conflict countries.

An effective legal order is an essential condition for economic growth and development. Countries with fast-growing economies where the rule of law is weak run the risk of sliding into instability. The Dutch government therefore seeks to strengthen security and the rule of law in countries where governance is poor