Notifying the Municipality of a Demonstration

This is how you notify the municipality of a demonstration

This guide is also available in PDF format (in Dutch). 

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It's also possible to lean on your right to demonstrate and not notify the municipality. In that case you need to take into account any resistance from the authorities. 

Introduction

You are planning to organize a demonstration and want to ensure that the government does not obstruct your efforts but rather supports them. To do this, you must notify the municipality in the Netherlands about your demonstration.

A common misconception is that a permit is required to hold demonstrations, marches, protests, or rallies. This is not true. These events must be notified to the municipality (the mayor). This is also referred to as a notification. The wishes of the organizing group are central in this process, and the municipality and police are expected to make efforts to facilitate the demonstration. It is definitely not considered an event! Different rules apply to events.

In this guide, we provide explanations, tips, and key points to consider when notifying the municipality of your demonstration. At the bottom, you’ll find a completed sample document with some additional tips.

Step by step guide

Step 1. Preparations

Check your municipality’s website or contact them directly to find out how and where to notify them of your demonstration. This can usually be done through the municipality’s website under the section titled “register protest, rally, or demonstration.” Create a draft notification based on your municipality’s requirements. Save it in an online document so that others in your organization can also provide input if needed.

Demonstrating is a fundamental right, which means that authorities can impose very few restrictions. However, having a right is not the same as automatically being granted it. Municipalities often tend to view any demonstration as a security risk and impose all sorts of restrictions. Be aware of this and stand up for your rights. Also, consider the balance between the purpose of your demonstration and how firmly you want to assert your right to protest.

Step 2. The registration/notification 

Submit your demonstration notification as early as possible, before your desired location is claimed by other demonstrations or events. This also gives you enough time to coordinate with the municipality about things like the stage location, possible traffic measures, and requesting electricity. You are submitting the notification on behalf of your organization and will serve as the main contact person.

  • If you need electricity, make sure to request an electrical connection from the (district) municipality.
  • If your demonstration takes place on a grassy area, some municipalities may require you to schedule an inspection of the field before and after the event.

Step 3. After the registration/notification 

Many municipalities choose to handle demonstration notifications through a digital form. However, this can limit your ability to fully explain your plans. Additionally, submitting through a form does not always guarantee that you will receive confirmation or proof of your notification.

Tip: Always try to call the relevant municipal department to check whether your form has been received and is being processed—and if so, by whom.

The municipality may also contact you to discuss your notification in a personal meeting. Approach this conversation constructively, and remember that you have the right to demonstrate and the right to freedom of expression. A meeting with the municipality is often a negotiation. As a group, consider what you want to achieve from that negotiation—and what you're willing to compromise on.

Other preparations

  • Arrange first aid services (EHBO) through a national organization you are affiliated with. If that's not possible, you can hire first aid support through Med Event.
  • Also consider waste management—arrange a few volunteers to walk around with trash bags afterward, or consider renting several waste containers.
  • Check what time the bollards rise on access roads or bike paths to ensure vehicle entry.
  • If necessary, arrange a parking permit for essential vehicles that need to remain on-site for the demonstration (e.g., a technical van).

Important!
Regarding liability (including COVID-related concerns): as the organizing party, you have a duty of care to set up the location in a way that minimizes the risk of injury or damage as much as reasonably possible. While individual participants are responsible for following the rules, it is your job to address any misconduct. You should do this through a safety or peacekeeping team—a small group responsible for participant safety and for addressing dangerous or harmful behavior.

As an organization, make a risk assessment. This shows that you’ve done everything reasonably possible to ensure the demonstration proceeds safely and responsibly. It greatly reduces the likelihood of legal liability in case of accidents or incidents.

Example registration form

Here (in Dutch) you can find an example of a registration form. This can vary for every municipality. Between brackets there are some tips on how to fill it in.  

Finally: good luck with your demonstration! 

Finally

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This guide is part of the ‘Toolbox for Movements’. This toolbox contains more short digital guides, offering fundamental knowledge about strategy, movement building, campaigning, and organizing.

We also love to learn. So, if you have any ideas for improving or adding to this guide based on your experiences, let us know!

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