This week the Netherlands Committee of Jurists for Human Rights (NJCM) has launched an initiative that is unique in the Netherlands: the Public Interest Litigation Project (PILP). In the coming years, NJCM will denounce human rights violations in the Netherlands in court on the basis of this project.

By monitoring new policies and legislation in light of human rights standards and by lobbying for change when this is deemed necessary, NJCM has been advocating for the protection of human rights in the Netherlands for the last forty years.

However, these means do not always bring about the desired results. Some ‘"files" have been in (political) deadlock for years on end and require a new approach. In such cases strategic litigation can lead to sustainable social and legal changes.

‘‘A project with the aim of finding ways to promote human rights in the Netherlands through legal means: that is a great asset,’’ states Egbert Myjer, former judge of the European Court of Human Rights. ‘‘I have always said that NJCM should start a fund for pilot cases,‘’ adds Jenny Goldschmidt, emeritus professor of human rights at the University of Utrecht.

PILP is headed by lawyer Jelle Klaas. The cases that are dealt with within the framework of PILP always revolve around one or more human rights and serve the public interest. PILP provides access to justice to those whose human rights are at stake and whose regular paths to legal remedy turn out to be obstructed.

Would you like to have more information on PILP or have an interview with project coordinator Jelle Klaas? Then call 0031(0)715278841 or send an email to: NJCM@law.leidenuniv.nl

Visit the PILP website for the latest news: www.PILPNJCM.nl