Significant number of children in the Netherlands are unable to access education that meets their needs. At least 70,000 children are currently without suitable education, with a growing number effectively excluded from meaningful schooling or remaining at home for prolonged periods. The Dutch State has a responsibility, to take effective measures to ensure that every child in the Netherlands has effective access to suitable education that supports their development. By not doing so, the Dutch State is in breach of various human and children’s rights.

Association Balans represents the interests of children and their parents in situations where the education system does not adequately accommodate their needs, in particular where additional support or tailored solutions are required. Balans holds the Dutch State responsible and seeks to encourage the Dutch State to take effective measures.

In the coming period, Balans will focus on gathering broad societal support for this initiative and will send a formal letter to the Dutch State, inviting it to engage in constructive dialogue and to make concrete commitments aimed at improving access to appropriate education. Should such consultation not result in sufficient progress, Balans will consider to initiate class actions proceedings on behalf of its constituents to seek enforceable measures from the Dutch court.

Our specialists below, part of the Litigation & Risk Management team, assists Balans on this matter. This is done in close cooperation with PILP, a non-profit law firm based in Amsterdam focused on human rights.

Further information on the initiative can be found in Balans’ own announcement.

This case has garnered particular attention in the media, reflecting its significance.