Yes, Dutch courts have jurisdiction over international crimes committed abroad in the following three circumstances:
1. The perpetrator is a Dutch citizen.
2. The victim was a Dutch citizen at the time of the offence.
3. The perpetrator is currently on Dutch soil.

The Public Prosecution Service usually initiates criminal investigations, independent from private complaints.

If no investigation has been started yet, one can file a complaint with the International Crimes Team—a unit specialised in handling cases regarding international crimes. One should include all relevant facts in the complaint, including their own statements and any secondhand information, as long as there is clear differentiation between their own words and someone else’s.

Prosecutors in the Netherlands have discretion to pursue or dismiss a case. To increase the chance of an investigation proceeding, one should make sure their complaint alleges a serious violation of international law and can lead to an admissible criminal prosecution.

1. Investigation – police and prosecutors conduct the investigation, which may take quite some time. Investigators may travel to location, find witnesses, collect evidence, and cooperate with NGOs to build a case. This can take 1-5 year(s).

2. Pre-trial – after investigation, the prosecutor decides whether to proceed with the case. This can take 1-2 year(s).

3. Trial – court hearings at the District Court in the Hague. Trials are presided over by three judges, who tend to assess the case solely based on the paper file. Witnesses are rarely heard in person. This can take 2-4 weeks.

4. Sentencing and Appeals – sentencing decision rests with the judges. The International Crimes Act specifies the maximum penalty per each crime. The judgment will include a decision on the compensation claim, if attached. Either party can appeal within two weeks of the verdict.

The declaration of rights of victims of criminal offences guarantees the following rights:

1. You are entitled to information;
2. You are entitled to assistance;
3. You may receive protection;
4. You may file a complaint;
5. You have the right to a lawyer;
6. You may ask for an interpreter if you do not understand the Dutch language well enough;
7. You can seek compensation for your damages;
8. You may ask for contact with the suspect or offender;
9. You are entitled to proper treatment;
10. You may complain when the prosecution decides there will be no criminal case;
11. You may ask to see records of the criminal case file;
12. You may receive compensation if you have to testify;
13. You may speak in court;
14. You have the right to information about leave, release or escape of the suspect or offender.

For elaborate information on victims’ rights, click here.

The EU Victims’ Rights Directive monitors whether these rights are being guaranteed.

One can fill out an adhesion form to attach civil claims to a criminal complaint. If it complicates the case, the compensation claim may be split into a different proceeding, but in most cases it is combined with the criminal trial.

The Netherlands does not allow state-funded compensation for victims of foreign crimes, but there is a system in place to assist in the enforcement of compensation awards.