If your Woo request in Rijswijk is (partly) rejected, you have the option to object. This must be done within 6 weeks.
When can you object?
Objecting is possible in the following situations:
- Your request is fully rejected
- You receive only part of the requested information
- Documents are excessively redacted
- The decision was taken too late (failure to decide timely)
Reasons for objection
In your objection letter, you can for example argue:
- The reason for refusal is not valid
- The interest of transparency outweighs the refusal ground
- Too much information has been redacted
- Not all relevant documents have been provided
Steps in the objection procedure
- Submit your objection within the 6-week period
- Request the available documents (except the refused ones)
- Attend a hearing (if applicable)
- Receive the decision on your objection
Challenge: unknown documents
A complication in Woo objections is that you do not know the refused documents. This makes it difficult to make a specific objection. During an appeal procedure, however, the court can view these documents in confidence.
Appeal to the court
If the decision on your objection is not satisfactory, you can lodge an appeal with the District Court of The Hague. The judge has the authority to inspect the refused documents confidentially and assess whether the refusal was justified.
Frequently asked questions about Woo objection in Rijswijk
Can I inspect the refused documents during objection?
No, that is a known issue. You must submit the objection without knowledge of the content.
How can I assess whether the refusal is justified?
Base it on the explanation in the decision. Later, the judge can check the documents confidentially.
What is the duration of an objection procedure?
The decision on objection normally takes 6 to 12 weeks. After that, appeal to the court is possible.
Practical questions about the procedure
How can I object to a Woo decision in Rijswijk?
Submit an objection letter to the administrative authority that made the decision, within 6 weeks after the decision. Clearly explain why you disagree and specify the grounds. Send it by post or digitally, depending on the options, and keep a proof of dispatch.
What happens at a hearing?
During the hearing, you can orally explain your position. The administrative authority provides explanation about the decision. Prepare well and note your arguments. The hearing is generally public, unless confidential matters are discussed.
Is help available for submitting an objection?
Yes, you can contact the Juridisch Loket Rijswijk for free or affordable advice. Lawyers or interest organisations with experience in Woo requests can also help. Keep the 6-week period in mind.
What if no timely decision is made on my objection?
If there is no decision after 6 to 12 weeks, you can claim a penalty payment or directly institute appeal proceedings at the District Court of The Hague. First send a notice of default with an additional period of, for example, 2 weeks.
How does confidential inspection by the judge work?
In appeal proceedings, the judge can inspect the refused documents without you or your lawyer seeing them. The judge assesses whether the refusal was correct under the Woo and motivates the judgment without revealing confidential details.
What are the costs of objection or appeal?
Submitting an objection is often free of charge. For appeal to the court, you pay court fees, between €50 and €500, depending on your situation. If successful, you may get this back. Legal assistance may involve additional costs, sometimes covered by insurance.
Can I submit a new Woo request after rejection of objection?
Yes, a new request is possible, but substantiate it well with new arguments or circumstances to prevent repetition of refusal.