Know core legal rights and protections in the Netherlands.

Women and men are equal before the law. They must have the same opportunities to study, work, and organise their own lives independently. Nobody else may decide for someone that a course or job is forbidden just because of sex.

Equal treatment also means you can discuss or report a difference in treatment. In a job advertisement or interview, an employer may only set requirements that are really necessary for the job, not discriminate unfairly based on gender.

Within a family, people can divide tasks together. The law protects everyone’s right to make their own choices. If you are unsure, ask an organisation for equal treatment for advice.

You may give your opinion, even if others disagree. This is called freedom of expression. It is an important right in a democracy.

This right has legal limits. Some statements, for example certain threats or incitement to hatred, are forbidden. Even words that are not illegal can hurt others.

Listen to other points of view and think about where you share your opinion: a conversation, a message, or a public meeting all reach different people. If you are unsure about any legal limits, look for reliable information.

Everyone may choose a religion, worldview or belief, change it, or have no belief at all. The government must protect this right.

Religious and philosophical organisations manage many of their own matters. However, they must also obey the law. If a religious or traditional rule conflicts with the law of the state, then the law of the state applies.

You do not have to take on someone else’s beliefs. However, you must respect that person’s rights. In case of a conflict, check the legal rules and do not rely on rumours.

For example: two neighbours have different religions and a third neighbour has no religion. Each can choose for themselves. No one has to convince the other. If a custom has consequences for work, school or safety, then see what general law applies. The government may not simply prescribe to a faith group what they must believe internally.

Article 1 of the Constitution states that people in similar situations must be treated equally. Discrimination is prohibited. This includes discrimination based on religion, beliefs, political views, origin, gender, disability and sexual orientation.

A difference in treatment is not automatically forbidden; sometimes there is a valid reason for the specific situation. However, excluding someone without a good reason can be discrimination. Ask for advice if you are in doubt.

You can report an experience to an anti-discrimination service or to the police. Write down what happened and keep any relevant messages. Reporting can help to investigate the situation.

Personal data are pieces of information that say something about you, such as your name, address or health information. Organisations cannot just collect or share everything. Always ask why a piece of data is needed for their task.

You have rights regarding information an organisation stores about you. You can ask what information is held and request a correction if something is wrong. In some cases, there are limits or a special procedure.

Be careful yourself, too. Do not send a copy of your ID or login code via an unknown link. Use official contact channels and ask for clarification if a request seems suspicious.

Everyone has the right to physical safety. Violence, even at home or against children, is forbidden. Unwanted sexual acts are not allowed. No family custom or appeal to honour makes violence legal.

Female genital mutilation is also a criminal offence. If you experience violence or coercion, you can seek help. If there is immediate danger, call 112. If there is no direct danger, but you want advice about domestic violence or child abuse, call Veilig Thuis (Safe at Home) on 0800-2000. This is free, available day and night, and you can stay anonymous.

You do not have to carry a problem alone. Tell a trusted person what is happening and ask what help is safe in your situation. This book gives general knowledge and does not replace personal help.

In the Donorregister you can record what you want to happen with your organs and tissues after your death. You may choose yes or no, exclude certain organs, or allow someone else to decide. You can change your choice later.

If an adult does not register a choice after the official letters, 'no objection to donation' is usually registered. This is not the same as filling in 'yes' yourself, although organs can then still be used. After someone dies, a doctor discusses the registration with the family.

Read the explanation on the official website before making your choice. Also discuss your wishes with those close to you. That way, they know what you actually want, no matter what choice you make.

A woman decides for herself about her life and her body. She may, for example, choose which education to follow, whether to work, and with whom she wants a relationship. No one may make this choice for her through force.

Self-determination applies in daily life and in the law. A family can give advice, but giving advice does not mean having the right to force someone. Violence, threats and unwanted sexual acts are forbidden.

If you are under pressure, you can ask a reliable professional or your GP for help. If there is coercion or violence at home and no immediate danger, you can also call Veilig Thuis on 0800-2000. You can get free, anonymous advice day and night. In immediate danger, call 112. A conversation about this right requires respect for the person seeking help.