Human Dignity in the Netherlands

Abstract

This contribution contains an overview of the role of the concept of human dignity in the Dutch constitutional system. The role is a very limited one, mainly due to the rather sober constitutional culture and tradition in the Netherlands. The Constitution does not contain any reference to human dignity, nor do the Netherlands have a system of constitutional review of Acts of Parliament by the judiciary. Sometimes, the idea of human dignity does play a role in legal debates in Parliament or in court decisions. In most cases, this is the result of the application of international and European human rights standards and the taking into consideration of interpretations given by bodies like the European Court of Human Rights. However, there are some eye-catching judgements in which Dutch courts have taken some extra steps in considering human dignity.