Security and protection - NL Host Nation
15. Security and protection
15.1 General information
The Netherlands is aware of its special duty towards diplomatic missions and consular posts and has customised its security policy to take that responsibility into account. The Protocol Department is the front office for requests and questions concerning security issues.
The office of the National Coordinator for Counterterrorism and Security (NCTV), through its Surveillance and Protection Department, is responsible for security policy and security matters concerning diplomatic missions and consular posts and maintains direct contact with some of these organisations.
15.2 Protection of persons
In exceptional circumstances it may be necessary to implement specific protection measures for specific persons. The initiative for such protection will normally come from the Dutch authorities. Diplomatic missions and consular posts should provide the host country authorities with up-to-date information on potential threats or other relevant developments. However, final responsibility for protection measures always rests with the Dutch authorities. Cooperation of protected persons with the security agencies is of the utmost importance.
15.3 Protection of buildings
If a diplomatic missions or consular post has information that its peace is likely to be disturbed, it should inform the Ministry’s Protocol Department at +31 (0)70 348 4905 during office hours (09.00 – 17.00) or outside office hours at +31 6 5114 3634. If police assistance is required, the following procedures are suggested:
15.4 Measures to prevent burglary, vandalism and fire
All diplomatic missions and consular posts should make it standard practice to take necessary measures for the protection of their premises and for the basic protection of the homes of their staff members against burglary, vandalism and fire. It is recommended that staff members ensure adequate insurance coverage against fire and burglary. The regional police force is prepared to provide advice on protective measures in response to a request from a diplomatic mission or consular post received through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Damage to the premises or vehicles of the diplomatic mission and consular post or its staff members, as a result of a burglary or vandalism, should immediately be reported to the Ministry. If the damage caused was demonstrably politically motivated or occurred in the course of a demonstration, the diplomatic mission or consular post can apply to the Ministry for compensation. Damage to flags and coats of arms will always be compensated.
15.5 Demonstrations
The freedom to hold demonstrations is a long-standing tradition and a constitutional right in the Netherlands. The Netherlands has clearly defined limits within which these rights may be exercised and within which the competent authorities may impose restrictions on demonstrations. It is advised to announce the demonstrations in writing to the municipal authorities in advance, but this is not obligatory.
Once a demonstration has been announced, the police are responsible for ensuring that it proceeds in an orderly manner. Impeding the normal course of business of diplomatic missions and consular posts is prohibited. The mayor is therefore empowered to issue instructions, which demonstrators must obey, and may if necessary give orders to terminate a demonstration if these instructions are not complied with. The police will contact the diplomatic mission or consular post to make adequate security arrangements and ensure that it can continue to operate.
Police contact numbers: +31 (0)88 964 9649 (Diplomatic Front Office) // +31 (0)900 8844 (general) // 112 (emergency)
15.6 Firearms
Permission
The possession of firearms without a permit is forbidden in the Netherlands. The Dutch authorities are responsible for protecting the staff of diplomatic missions and consular posts. Applications for licences to carry firearms must be made to the local police.
Foreign security personnel
Separate regulations apply to foreign visitors wishing to be accompanied during their stay in the Netherlands by their own armed security personnel. These regulations state the categories of persons (or posts) eligible for a firearm permit and the maximum number of firearms that may be carried.
Separate permission for each armed security officer and weapon must be obtained from the NCTV. Each request for permission must be made in writing via the Protocol Department at least two weeks before the arrival of the visitor(s). In principle, only heads of state and government, 79 Ministers of Foreign Affairs and military officers whose visit is covered by the NATO Status of Forces Agreement can obtain permission. Other dignitaries may be eligible in the event of a threat substantiated by an NCTV threat assessment.
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The Netherlands is aware of its special duty towards diplomatic missions and consular posts and has customised its security policy to take that responsibility into account. The Protocol Department is the front office for requests and questions concerning security issues.
The office of the National Coordinator for Counterterrorism and Security (NCTV), through its Surveillance and Protection Department, is responsible for security policy and security matters concerning diplomatic missions and consular posts and maintains direct contact with some of these organisations.
15.2 Protection of persons
In exceptional circumstances it may be necessary to implement specific protection measures for specific persons. The initiative for such protection will normally come from the Dutch authorities. Diplomatic missions and consular posts should provide the host country authorities with up-to-date information on potential threats or other relevant developments. However, final responsibility for protection measures always rests with the Dutch authorities. Cooperation of protected persons with the security agencies is of the utmost importance.
15.3 Protection of buildings
If a diplomatic missions or consular post has information that its peace is likely to be disturbed, it should inform the Ministry’s Protocol Department at +31 (0)70 348 4905 during office hours (09.00 – 17.00) or outside office hours at +31 6 5114 3634. If police assistance is required, the following procedures are suggested:
- in the event of an emergency (including accidents), diplomatic missions and consular posts can always dial the national emergency number 112; (ask for police, medical assistance or fire brigade, as required);
- for less urgent matters requiring police assistance, please call 0900 8844.
15.4 Measures to prevent burglary, vandalism and fire
All diplomatic missions and consular posts should make it standard practice to take necessary measures for the protection of their premises and for the basic protection of the homes of their staff members against burglary, vandalism and fire. It is recommended that staff members ensure adequate insurance coverage against fire and burglary. The regional police force is prepared to provide advice on protective measures in response to a request from a diplomatic mission or consular post received through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Damage to the premises or vehicles of the diplomatic mission and consular post or its staff members, as a result of a burglary or vandalism, should immediately be reported to the Ministry. If the damage caused was demonstrably politically motivated or occurred in the course of a demonstration, the diplomatic mission or consular post can apply to the Ministry for compensation. Damage to flags and coats of arms will always be compensated.
15.5 Demonstrations
The freedom to hold demonstrations is a long-standing tradition and a constitutional right in the Netherlands. The Netherlands has clearly defined limits within which these rights may be exercised and within which the competent authorities may impose restrictions on demonstrations. It is advised to announce the demonstrations in writing to the municipal authorities in advance, but this is not obligatory.
Once a demonstration has been announced, the police are responsible for ensuring that it proceeds in an orderly manner. Impeding the normal course of business of diplomatic missions and consular posts is prohibited. The mayor is therefore empowered to issue instructions, which demonstrators must obey, and may if necessary give orders to terminate a demonstration if these instructions are not complied with. The police will contact the diplomatic mission or consular post to make adequate security arrangements and ensure that it can continue to operate.
Police contact numbers: +31 (0)88 964 9649 (Diplomatic Front Office) // +31 (0)900 8844 (general) // 112 (emergency)
15.6 Firearms
Permission
The possession of firearms without a permit is forbidden in the Netherlands. The Dutch authorities are responsible for protecting the staff of diplomatic missions and consular posts. Applications for licences to carry firearms must be made to the local police.
Foreign security personnel
Separate regulations apply to foreign visitors wishing to be accompanied during their stay in the Netherlands by their own armed security personnel. These regulations state the categories of persons (or posts) eligible for a firearm permit and the maximum number of firearms that may be carried.
Separate permission for each armed security officer and weapon must be obtained from the NCTV. Each request for permission must be made in writing via the Protocol Department at least two weeks before the arrival of the visitor(s). In principle, only heads of state and government, 79 Ministers of Foreign Affairs and military officers whose visit is covered by the NATO Status of Forces Agreement can obtain permission. Other dignitaries may be eligible in the event of a threat substantiated by an NCTV threat assessment.
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