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The Netherlands helps strengthen the rule of law in other countries

The Netherlands wants people everywhere to live in peace and security. In order to fight terrorism, drug trafficking and cybercrime, countries need to work together. By doing so, they promote mutual legal assistance and make it easier to extradite people suspected of crimes. This is why the Netherlands is investing in efforts to enhance the rule of law and strengthen institutions in other countries, for example in the Western Balkans and North Africa.

Fighting international crime

Working together with justice systems in different countries makes it easier to fight transnational crime. This includes terrorism, drug trafficking, corruption, cybercrime, piracy, war crimes, people smuggling and human trafficking. Having reliable partners abroad makes mutual legal assistance and police cooperation possible. This in turn makes it easier to extradite suspects and return failed asylum seekers.

Ways of strengthening the rule of law

The Netherlands works in many ways to make the rule of law and institutions stronger in other countries. For example, by sending experts who: 

  • help draft suitable legislation; 
  • improve cooperation in the justice system;
  • help fight transnational crime, including corruption, terrorism, cybercrime and piracy;
  • promote the investigation and prosecution of transnational crimes; 
  • work to combat illegal migration;
  • help build migration management systems. 

In this way the Netherlands is upholding article 90 of its Constitution, which requires the government to promote the development of the international legal order.

Active organisations

Several organisations in the Netherlands are helping strengthen the rule of law in other countries. They include: 

  • the Ministry of Justice and Security; 
  • the Ministry of Foreign Affairs;
  • the Ministry of Defence;
  • the Public Prosecution Service;
  • the courts; 
  • support services, for example in the migration and criminal justice systems;
  • NGOs working for peace and justice.

Civilian missions

The Netherlands also contributes to civilian missions in the areas of security, the legal order and conflict management in current and former conflict zones. These include missions of the European Union (EU), the United Nations (UN) and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE). The Ministry of Foreign Affairs sends Dutch experts to take part in these missions.

Map of ongoing projects

The map below shows the projects the Netherlands is currently working on to strengthen the rule of law in other countries. We encourage stakeholders to help keep this overview up to date. Please send questions or any additional information to ruleoflawvenj@minjenv.nl.

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