Grondrecht
Fundamental right
Fundamental rights are the fundamental rights laid down in the Constitution and international treaties that protect citizens against unjustified government interference.
Fundamental rights form the cornerstone of the Dutch constitutional order and are primarily enshrined in Chapter 1 of the Constitution. They include, inter alia, freedom of expression, freedom of religion, the right to privacy and the principle of equality.
These rights are significant because they regulate the relationship between citizens and the State and prevent excessive governmental interference in the private sphere. They provide citizens with a legal instrument to challenge government measures.
In practice, fundamental rights are frequently invoked in administrative and civil proceedings, for example in complaints concerning discrimination or restrictions on press freedom.
“Counsel argued that the municipality’s measure contravened the fundamental right to freedom of religion.”
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