Netherlands Institute for Human Rights
Overview:
The Netherlands Institute for Human Rights explains, monitors and protects human rights, promotes respect for human rights (including equal treatment) in practice, policy and legislation, and increases the awareness of human rights in the Netherlands. This applies to the European part of the Netherlands as well as to the islands of Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba (the Carribean Netherlands).
Brief history
The Netherlands Institute for Human Rights was founded in 2012. The NIHR came
into being by an act of Parliament. All the powers of the former Equal Treatment Commission (CGB) were transferred to the Institute.
With the creation of the Institute, the Netherlands has fulfilled UN resolution 48/1342. This resolution contains assurances for the independence of and recommendations concerning the role, composition, status and functions of national human rights bodies, the so-called Paris Principles. Both the law and the Netherlands Institute for Human Rights have been drafted/created on the basis of these principles.
In 2014, the Institute was awarded A-status by the International Coordinating Committee for national human rights institutions (ICC). This constituted international recognition that the Paris Principles are being fulfilled.
Mandate Type
Combined tribunal-type and promotion-type
Litigation power:
- Bringing proceedings in own name
- Formally deciding on complaints (e.g. decision or recommendation addressed to the parties) Not legally binding
Activities
| 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Activities aimed at supporting vulnerable groups ( e.g. through trainings ) | |||||||||||
| Activities aimed at supporting duty bearers such as employers and service providers (e.g. through trainings, guidance material, practical support, etc.) | |||||||||||
| Communication activities (e.g. awareness raising campaigns) | |||||||||||
| Recommendations on discrimination issues | |||||||||||
| Publications and reports | |||||||||||
| Research projects (including surveys) |
Our institution has a mandate to deal with:
- Violence against women
- UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD)
- Hate crime
- Hate speech
Other statistics:
| 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of inquiries handled per year (all contact even if not resulting in a formal complaint) | 1636 | 1317 | 1268 | 2581 | 2303 | 2781 | 3930 | 5423 | 4583 | ||
| Number of cases handled per year (case files opened and processed according to your procedures) | 203 | 221 | 212 | 183 | 179 | 155 | 151 | 161 | 148 | ||
| Number of media appearances per year (major newspapers/magazines/websites/blogs, TV + radio channels) - does not include social media |
Management
- Collegiate headed equality body (led by a distinct board/commission)
Management details
The Netherlands Institute for Human Rights is an independent administrative body. The Institute consists of (at most) 12 members appointed by the Crown. The Institute is supported by an office, which at the start of the organisation was on a scale of about 50 full time employees. The staff is comprised of civil servants employed by the Institute.
Procedure for nomination and appointment of management and board
The Institute consists of (at most) 12 members, appointed by the Crown. The Institute is supported by
an office, which at the start of the organisation was on a scale of about 50 full time
employees. The staff is comprised of civil servants employed by the Institute.
Number of staff dealing with equality issues
| 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Grounds and fields of discrimination covered by the equality body
| Grounds / Fields | Employment | Education | Housing | Social Protection & Healthcare | Goods and Services | Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gender | ||||||
| Gender Identity | ||||||
| Race and Ethnic Origin | ||||||
| Age | ||||||
| Disability | ||||||
| Sexual Orientation | ||||||
| Religion & Belief |
Political persuasion: Employment, Education, Housing, Healthcare, Goods &Services - Nationality: Employment, Education, Housing, Healthcare, Goods &Services - Civil status: Employment, Education, Housing, Healthcare, Goods &Services - Working hours (part time or full time): Employment - Contract (temporary/permanent): Employment NOTE: in the Netherlands goods & services includes housing, education and healthcare. In the field of social protection race is protected.
Mandate covers:
- Public sector
- Private sector
Operating budget in euros
| 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5610000 | 6200000 | 6442000 | 6122000 | 5761000 | 6240000 | 6743000 | 6741000 | 6853000 |
We are accountable to
- National Ministry
Full name in English
Netherlands Institute for Human RightsFull name in the national language(s):
College voor de Rechten van de MensPostal address
Postbus 16001 3500 DA UTRECHT