When you strongly disagree with something, or strongly support something, you can draw attention to the issue by taking to the streets. This ability to express yourself and make your voice heard is a vital part of any democracy. But what exactly defines a protest? In times of growing societal unrest, human rights lawyer Jelle Klaas discusses both the historical relevance of protests and the current legal framework surrounding them.
Everyone has the right to protest. It is a human right that is protected in international (human rights) treaties and in the Dutch constitution. It forms one of the fundamental principles of our democratic system, like the rights of freedom of expression and freedom of assembly. And the government has a duty to respect, protect and realize the right to protest.
However, the number of protests has skyrocketed in recent years, and the right to protest is under increasing pressure. Sometimes violent clashes between protesters and police occur. Are all protests permitted? Can you block a highway or protest in front of a politician’s house? What roles do the mayor, police, and judiciary play in demonstrations? And is it time to protest for our right to protest?
Mr. Jelle Klaas is a human rights lawyer and the executive director of PILP, a nonprofit law firm that supports communities, movements, and activists in their fight for change. He is one of the founders of PILP and has years of experience in strategic litigation for human rights in the Netherlands.
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