Right to protest

Right to protest

The right to protest is enshrined in various international (human rights) treaties, the Dutch Constitution and other legislation. It follows that the government has a duty to respect, protect and realize the right to demonstrate. But the right to protest and related freedom of expression is under pressure worldwide, including in the Netherlands.

Governments must go to great lengths to facilitate and protect demonstrations, but demonstrations are too often seen primarily as a risk to public order, rather than the exercise of a human right. Governments regularly fall short of guaranteeing this fundamental right. Many organizers and demonstrators face problematic restrictions and obstructive regulations and rules.

PILP is concerned about this because demonstrations are crucial to the democratic rule of law. History shows that the right to protest is essential to bring about social change. Think of women’s right to vote, LGBT+ rights, et cetera. Moreover, demonstrating is a right, not a favor.

Lawyers, academics and NGOs such as Amnesty International and the Dutch Lawyers Committee for Human Rights are also concerned about these developments. In 2018, the National Ombudsman wrote a critical report and in 2022, Amnesty International Netherlands released a report arguing that the right to protest is under pressure and that rules and practice in the Netherlands need to improve.

Gerelateerde rechtszaken

Right to protest – We Promise

PILP filed an objection to restrictions imposed by the burg. of Hoorn on a demonstration against the statue of J.P Coen.

Right to protest – Konijn in Nood

PILP, on behalf of the Konijn in Nood Foundation, objected to the Vijfheerenlanden mayor’s decision on the restrictions imposed on their demonstration.

Right to protest – Climate Coalition Parkstad

Among other things, the mayor of Heerlen banned poetry during the demonstration. PILP filed an objection on behalf of the organisers.

Right to protest – Code Red

PILP supported Code Red in administrative proceedings against the decision of the Chairman of the Haaglanden Safety Region.

Right to protest – The Hague

A protest in solidarity with Moroccan human rights defenders was banned. PILP filed an objection.

Right to protest – Maastricht

PILP heeft tot aan de RvS geprocedeerd over inperkingen op het demonstratierecht namens een coalitie in Maastricht.

Right to protest – Sittard-Geleen

PILP filed an objection on behalf of the activists against the restrictive conditions imposed by the mayor.

Right to protest – Sint Maarten

A demonstration in Sint Maarten in solidarity with people in Palestine was banned. PILP launched a lawsuit on behalf of this group.

Dossier

Gerelateerde berichten

Met de tag: Right to protest – Sint Maarten
KOZP right to protest Stichting Nederland Wordt Beter
May 12, 2025 Right to protest

Dutch foundations KOZP and Nederland Wordt Beter have been vindicated: infringement of the right to protest in De Lier

Dutch foundations KOZP and Nederland Wordt Beter have been vindicated The appeal of Kick Out Zwarte Piet (KOZP) and Stichting Nederland Wordt Beter (NLWB) against the restrictions imposed on their protest by the mayor of the Westland municipality has been upheld. The District Court of The Hague rules that the mayor should not have been […]

right to protest
May 2, 2025 Right to protest

Hearing in court case on right to protest at the Council of State

On 6 May 2025, two climate organizations will be facing the municipality of Heerlen in an important case on the right to protest. The mayor of Heerlen has notably banned music and performances during the climate protests, as they “would give the impression of an event”. However, according to the right to protest, mayors cannot […]

islamofobie
March 20, 2025 Right to protest

Hearing on secret investigation into mosque in Veenendaal

Over the course of 1.5 years, PILP has initiated litigation in multiple municipalities in light of secret investigations into the Muslim community. An important hearing on the Veenendaal mosque case will take place on Friday, March 21, 2025, which will delve into the question if the investigations are unlawful and violate fundamental rights. What lead […]

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