Working towards a resilient and just democratic rule of law for everyone
Keeping the Netherlands secure and equitable so that people can live together safely and freely seems self-evident. However, nothing could be further from the truth. Security, freedoms and democratic rule of law are under pressure. Social polarisation, the impact of organised crime and the capacity problem in the prison system are just a few examples, but they reflect the reality. Today, the government presents its coalition programme, which includes a vigorous approach to making the Netherlands safer and more equitable.
Strengthening security and resilience in our rule of law
Minister of Justice and Security, David van Weel, has entered this government’s term of office with three priorities: tackling organised subversive crime, the resilience of the Netherlands and trust in the rule of law.
‘To protect our democracy and rule of law, the government is strengthening its approach to tackling subversive crime by making our country as unattractive as possible for criminals. We’re increasing penalties and sentences and cracking down on criminals by seizing their money and premises wherever possible. That’s why we’re investing heavily in investigative capabilities at the police and Public Prosecution Service. Unfortunately, criminals also benefit from our open economy and strong infrastructure. Therefore, we’re adopting a tougher stance on corruption by imposing heftier punishments and making governments and companies more aware of their vulnerabilities. I’ll be working hard on this in the coming years.’
Subversive crime poses a threat to our society. Authorities, businesses and civil society organisations are joining forces to make the Netherlands more unattractive and resilient to organised subversive crime. But resilience among authorities, businesses and the public alike must also increase. Threats are more urgent and complex than ever. For this reason, the government is working to increase resilience so that our society can continue to function even in times of crisis. However, as living together safely and freely also requires something from society, a clearer distinction is being made between peaceful demonstrations and disruptive actions. Discussions are being held with mayors, the police, the Public Prosecution Service, and others who can contribute to an optimal mix of measures to facilitate peaceful demonstrations while also taking firm action against those who do not comply with the law.
Enforcing imposed sentences
The government is focusing on swiftly and decisively enforcing sentences. The capacity shortage in the prison system, including the backlog of self-reporters (convicted persons reporting for detention), is being addressed. To tackle this issue, the Custodial Institutions Agency (DJI) is working with other chain organisations on measures to reduce the capacity shortage as much as possible. The emphasis is on finding long-term solutions.
State Secretary for Justice and Security, Ingrid Coenradie: ‘Imposed sentences must actually be served. We’re prioritising the capacity problem in the prison system and high-security hospitals. Obviously, this requires us to attract and retain quality staff. We’ll create additional cell capacity by establishing a new type of facility with a basic programme for offenders serving short sentences. I’m eager to begin work on the tasks outlined in the coalition programme because it’s inexplicable to society that criminals are roaming free.’
The rule of law belongs to all of us
The democratic rule of law must safeguard fundamental rights, ensure peaceful resolution of conflicts, protect a country’s residents from its government, where necessary, and ensure that people receive the right help. The government is therefore strengthening access to justice, so that individuals and businesses can find appropriate and lasting solutions to legal problems more quickly and easily. Fundamental rights will be better guaranteed by establishing a constitutional court and improving the assessment of fundamental rights when making laws. Child protection measures that deeply affect families must ensure that parents and vulnerable children are better heard, involved and supported.
The government’s focus is on high-quality decision-making, legal aid in court proceedings, and strengthening the role of the juvenile court judge. Additionally, the government is continuing its approach to juvenile crime, including the Prevention with Authority programme, to prevent young people from sliding or continuing to slide into crime.
State Secretary for Legal Protection, Teun Struycken: ‘Our democratic rule of law is a great asset. We must protect our fundamental rights and ensure laws are comprehensible and enforceable. Legal protection must be strengthened, and people must have access to justice. This is how we strengthen trust in the rule of law. That’s a task for this government, as well as society.’
Originally published at https://www.government.nl/latest/news/2024/09/13/working-towards-a-resilient-and-just-democratic-rule-of-law-for-everyone
