From October 2012, the Netherlands Institute for Human Rights is the new name for the Equal Treatment Commission (CGB), which was created by the government to combat discrimination. If you feel you have been treated unfairly due to age, sexual orientation, etc., you can file a complaint with the council.
Why a Human Rights Council?
Every person, regardless of their ethnic origin, gender, disability, religion, belief, age or sexual orientation, is equally important and has the same rights. The Institute for Human Rights strives, among other things, to convince citizens that diversity benefits us all. A discrimination-free society is not only more livable, but can also perform better.
The Netherlands must be a country characterized by a culture free of discrimination. To achieve this, the theme of anti-discrimination must be promoted even more strongly in society.
The General Equal Treatment Act (AWGB)
The legal framework for protection against discrimination is detailed in the General Equal Treatment Act (AWGB), which came into effect on September 1, 1994. In fact, that law is a clarification of Article 1 of our Constitution, which stipulates that everyone living in the Netherlands must be treated in the same way in similar situations.
It is true that a lot has changed in our social consciousness since then, but not nearly enough. Reducing prejudice is a long process and requires more than just a law. Implementing the General Equal Treatment Act in everyday practice must be our primary concern. All people who are still victims of discrimination and their interest groups are important actors in this process of social change.
Submit a complaint to the Netherlands Institute for Human Rights
Anyone who feels unequally treated for any reason can file a complaint with the Netherlands Institute for Human Rights.
This can be done in writing or by e-mail, but you do not need to hire a lawyer. Nor is it necessary that you submit the complaint to the council yourself. You can also have this brought forward by your trade union, an interest group or through your legal expenses insurance.
The council will investigate your complaint and make a decision on that basis.
When can you complain about discrimination?
People often don’t know who to turn to or where to get help if they have experienced a discriminatory experience. The staff of the Institute for Human Rights can make an assessment of your case during an initial consultation, so that you can decide how to proceed.
You can reach the council by telephone or via the website using an electronic contact form.
You can file a complaint with the council if you feel wronged with regard to your:
- sex;
- age;
- religious beliefs;
- sexual orientation;
- origin
- nationality
- disability or illness
- marital status
- labor contract;
- philosophy of life;
- political conviction.
Contact details of the Netherlands Institute for Human Rights
Complaints about discrimination can be made to the council by post or directly via the website. If you wish to send a complaint form by post to the council for assessment, you can address it to:
College for Human RightsKleinesingel 1-3Postbus 160013500 DA UtrechtT 030 888 38 88F 030 888 38 83
If you are unsure whether your complaint belongs to the council , you can also contact us in advance by telephone. Legal consultation hours are held daily from 2 to 6 hours, telephone 030-8883888