Amsterdam, Netherlands. Editorial credit: Mo Wu / Shutterstock.com

Netherlands

The Netherlands is a parliamentary democracy with a strong record of safeguarding political rights and civil liberties. Nevertheless, Muslims and immigrants experience harassment and discrimination, and polarization around cultural identity issues has increased. Harsh asylum policies are a source of controversy. The Kingdom of the Netherlands also has overall responsibility for human rights compliance on six Caribbean islands. Corruption, prison conditions, and asylum policies are of concern on the islands.

Iranian people in Izmir protest the death of Mahsa Amini by the morality police in Iran.

Freedom in the World — Netherlands Country Report

Netherlands is rated Free in Freedom in the World 2023, Freedom House's annual study of political rights and civil liberties worldwide.