Dutch Ministry of Justice and Security

The Ministry of Justice and Security is responsible for maintaining the rule of law in the Netherlands, so that people can live together in freedom, regardless of their life-style or views. The Ministry is working towards a safer, more just society by giving people legal protection and, where necessary, intervening in their lives. We sometimes have to take radical measures: divesting parents of parental responsibility, for example, or putting convicted criminals in prison. We also give people new prospects: for example, we help prisoners return to society and provide support for victims of crime. These are all measures that only the Ministry of Justice and Security is entitled to take. The law is about people.