bezwaar

Bezwaar is a formal objection to a decision made by a public authority, with the aim of having that decision reconsidered or modified. In Dutch administrative law it is a central step before formal court review in many cases. The term is governed primarily by the Algemene wet bestuursrecht (General Administrative Law), which lays down when and how objections can be raised and how authorities must handle them.

Most administrative decisions indicate whether a bezwaarmaking is possible and specify the deadline. The usual period to lodge a bezwaar is six weeks after the date on the decision, unless another term is stated in the decision or applicable legislation. The objection must explain why the decision is considered wrong and may be accompanied by supporting documents. After the bezwaarmaking is submitted, the authority reviews the case and issues a decision on the objection, often called a decision on bezwaar.

If the objection is rejected or the outcome is unsatisfactory, the next step for many cases is to file an appeal (beroep) with an independent administrative court (bestuursrechter). In some matters, an appeal may be possible directly with the court or under statutory alternatives. Some decisions are exempt from the bezwarens or have special procedures.

Bezwaar helps individuals, businesses and organizations obtain reconsideration of government decisions without immediately going to court. It is distinct from regular civil litigation, but it is frequently a prerequisite for later judicial review and is an important mechanism for administrative fairness and accountability.