Not all government information is accessible to the public. The Government Information (Public Access) Act (Woo) contains various grounds on which the government may refuse disclosure in Rijswijk and elsewhere.
Absolute refusal grounds
For absolute refusal grounds, the government is obliged to refuse disclosure:
- National security of the Netherlands
- Confidential business information entrusted to the government
- Special categories of personal data, such as medical or religious information
Relative refusal grounds
For relative refusal grounds, the interest of public access is weighed against other interests:
| Refusal ground | Example situation |
|---|---|
| Financial and economic interests | Sensitive information regarding competition |
| Investigation of criminal offences | An active police investigation |
| Inspection and supervision | Secret inspection methods |
| Protection of privacy | Personal data of employees |
| Internal policy views | Advice within the organisation |
Partial disclosure
In many cases, part of the information is released, with sensitive parts omitted, such as:
- Personal names and contact information
- Confidential business information
- Internal opinions and advice
Lodging an objection against refusal
If your request is (partly) refused, you can lodge an objection:
- Within 6 weeks after the decision
- Argue that the refusal ground is not applicable
- Emphasise that public access is more important
Frequently asked questions about Woo requests in Rijswijk
Can the government claim that documents do not exist?
Yes, if the documents do not exist, the government does not have to create them. However, a serious search effort must be made for the requested information.
What does 'personal policy views' mean?
This concerns internal opinions and advice of civil servants. These are often not disclosed to ensure open discussion within the government.
Is it possible to gain access later?
Yes, in some cases, the need for confidentiality lapses after some time, allowing the information to be disclosed.
Contact and support in Rijswijk
For help with submitting a Woo request or lodging an objection, you can contact the Juridisch Loket Rijswijk. In case of disputes, a case can be submitted to the District Court of The Hague, under which Rijswijk falls.
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