Palestine and civil rights in the Netherlands: what is PILP doing?

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October 23, 2023
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The events in Palestine and Israel also lead to many emotions in the Netherlands, including indignation and anger. It is important that all people in the Netherlands can use their fundamental rights to express these emotions but also, for example, to call for different policies in the Netherlands or abroad.

In countries around us, especially Germany and France, we see worrying restrictions on fundamental rights in the context of Palestine (see Amnesty International reports). Fundamental rights, such as the freedom of speech and the right to demonstrate, should be extra, not less, protected by the government when it comes to sensitive political issues.

As a foundation and law firm, PILP focuses solely on human rights in the Netherlands.

PILP wants to be the legal ally of everyone in the Netherlands who works for human rights or the good cause; also for people in the Netherlands who work in solidarity for human rights in Palestine and Israel.

Are you committed to a political issue, including the situation in Palestine and Israel, and running into obstacles? If so, PILP might be able to help you on the following topics:

  • Freedom of assembly issues. PILP has previously provided legal support to students because meetings on Palestine were restricted by their university. Meetings should only be restricted if they are in accordance with pre-determined rules and if they are proportional; i.e., not arbitrary and not in violation of fundamental rights.
  • Issues around the right to demonstrate. PILP has filed and is still filing numerous lawsuits regarding restrictions on the right to demonstrate. Think of restrictions that see to the place, the content (flyers, speakers, tone) or the form of a demonstration. See our file page for more information.
  • Freedom of speech issues. PILP can advise (and where necessary litigate) on the freedom to express your political opinion and the possible legal limits that may be involved. See also attorney Elsa van der Loo’s blog on this topic.
  • Internet freedom issues, such as shadow banning. PILP has previously looked at fundamental rights in the digital context with allies and is considering litigation on this topic. Read here.
  • Thinking along about strategic human rights litigation. A public interest lawsuit, a class action or an individual case might be able to strengthen your campaign. PILP attorneys are happy to help think through the possibilities, and warn of the potential risks and drawbacks.

If you have questions or would like to present a potential case, please contact us!

By the way, PILP works closely with other organizations, such as Amnesty International Netherlands, De Goede Zaak, Bits of Freedom and the ELSC, as well as numerous other lawyers and experts working on fundamental rights issues. If we cannot help you, we will always try to refer you where possible.

Working Matters:

PILP is for the progressive realization of human rights. PILP does not help organizations or individuals whose purpose (in part) is to oppose (the progressive realization of) human rights.
PILP is not a trial fund.
PILP has limited capacity, budget and manpower. Therein, too, may lie reasons not to take up a case.

Read more about PILP’s methods here.

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