Children in Rijswijk have specific rights enshrined in the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC). These rights must be respected by parents, institutions and government bodies.
Convention on the Rights of the Child
The CRC was adopted by the UN in 1989 and ratified by the Netherlands in 1995. It encompasses essential rights for children under the age of 18, regardless of their place of residence, including Rijswijk.
Essential Children's Rights
| Right | Description |
|---|---|
| Equal treatment | Children are equal, regardless of background or origin |
| Best interests of the child | The child's welfare is central in decisions |
| Right to life and development | Right to healthy development |
| Right to participation | Children may express their opinion |
| Right to contact with parents | Right to contact with both parents |
| Protection against abuse | Safety against violence and neglect |
| Right to education | Access to quality education |
| Right to leisure | Opportunity to play and relax |
Right to be Heard
In Rijswijk, children have the right to make their voice heard in matters concerning them:
- From age 12: invitation by the judge for a conversation
- Under 12: the judge may decide to hear the child if appropriate
- A child may send a letter to the judge
- A child may express its own opinion
Children's Rights in Dutch Law
In the Netherlands, and thus also in Rijswijk, children's rights are enshrined in national laws:
- Civil Code (parental authority and contact arrangements)
- Youth Act (access to youth care)
- Compulsory Education Act (compulsory education)
- Child Protection Act
The Role of the Children's Ombudsman
The Children's Ombudsman supervises compliance with children's rights in the Netherlands, including Rijswijk. Children and parents can turn here for help with complaints about violations of rights.
Can a child independently initiate legal proceedings?
Children from age 12 may in some family law matters submit a request themselves, such as regarding contact or parental authority. For other matters, a legal representative is required.Can a child choose which parent to live with?
A child may indicate a preference, which is taken into account. However, the judge decides based on the best interests of the child. The child's opinion is relevant but not decisive.What to do in case of violation of children's rights?
You can contact a confidential advisor, the Children's Ombudsman or the Children's Helpline (0800-0432). In serious cases, you can involve Safe Home or the police.Frequently Asked Questions about Children's Rights in Rijswijk
What if my child is not heard in a legal case?
Children from age 12 have the right to be heard by the judge. For younger children, the judge decides. You can submit a written request or engage a lawyer. Contact the Children's Ombudsman in case of problems.
Can my child choose which parent to live with after a divorce?
Your child may express a preference, but the judge decides based on the best interests of the child. From age 12, the opinion carries more weight, but is not decisive.
What to do in case of discrimination at school?
Discrimination is not permitted under the CRC. Discuss this with the school. If this does not help, you can file a complaint with the Netherlands Institute for Human Rights or the Children's Ombudsman. In serious situations, you can file a police report.
How can my child have input in a youth care trajectory?
Your child has the right to be heard in decisions. This can be via a conversation, a letter to the judge or a confidential advisor. From age 12, a child can submit a request itself to the youth court judge.
What happens if a parent ignores the contact arrangement?
The other parent can ask the judge to enforce it. Possible consequences include penalty payments or adjustment of the arrangement. In extreme cases, parental authority may be modified. A mediator or lawyer can help.
Local Institutions in Rijswijk:
- Court: District Court of The Hague (district)
- Legal Aid: Legal Counter Rijswijk