The National Institute for Human Rights wants everyone in the Netherlands to be treated fairly, whether you live in the European or the Caribbean Netherlands. Everyone must be able to participate, be themselves, and be treated with respect.
That is why the Institute is committed to human rights. We monitor and ensure that these rights are upheld. We also provide explanations about what human rights are. We do this in an independent and impartial manner.
To ensure that human rights apply to everyone, lasting change is needed. This change must take place at four levels explained below. It is essential that all these components function well and work together. Only then, human rights can truly reach their full potential:
1. A solid foundation
Human rights must be properly anchored in laws, policy, and institutions (for example, government organizations). This sets a strong foundation.
2. Application in daily life
Human rights must not only exist on paper, but they must also be visible in practice: at school, at work, in government, and in healthcare.
3. A culture of respect for everyone’s human rights
Human rights must be approached with awareness and respect by everyone. Only then can we strive to realize values such as equality, freedom, and dignity. We must also promote this continuously.
4. Room to be critical
Human rights require an open and free society in which citizens, media, and organizations can express their opinions. And in which human rights are an important part of public debate and politics.