'The Hague against Terrorism'

On 13 September 2006 the Municipality of The Hague launched the local public campaign ‘The Hague against terrorism’. The campaign is being carried out in conjunction with the national campaign ‘The Netherlands against terrorism’, which started at the beginning of 2006.

The municipality wants the campaign to show residents of and visitors to the city that professionals are also working together in The Hague to limit the chance of a terrorist attack to a minimum.

The work against terrorism is taking place within the municipal organisation itself and in co-operation with the fire brigade, police, emergency medical workers, the Public Prosecutor, the transport companies and the State. Mayor Wim Deetman explained: “Everyday there are drills taking place in The Hague for all different scenarios. These are being conducted by the police, the fire brigade and even the people from the public transportation. Not because we think that something could happen at any moment, but if something were to happen then we would be prepared.”

What can you do?

In addition the municipality would like the campaign to inform individuals about what they can do themselves. The city is asking its residents to stay alert and report any suspicious situations. According to Mayor Deetman, “With this campagin we want to make clear what you should pay attention to and what you can do in a suspicious situation: call the police! Frequently things that are out of the ordinary are completely explainable but sometimes things can go wrong. And we all need to remain on alert.”

The campaign begins on 13 September with posters with the following text:
Professionals are also working together in the city of The Hague against terrorism
Have you spotted something suspicious?
Call 1-1-2

Background information on the campaign can be found on the (Dutch-language) website of the municipality, www.denhaag.nl. The local campaign will run for the next two years with various posters placed throughout the city and radio spots.

The Municipality of The Hague is working together with Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, the Nederlandse Spoorwegen (Netherlands Railways) and Schiphol Airport in the national campaign ‘The Netherlands against terrorism’.

National Coordinator for Counterterrorism

Here you can find out about the work of the National Coordinator for Counterterrorism (NCTb), which was appointed to improve co-operation between the approximately 20 agencies in the Netherlands involved in combating terrorism. The office of the NCTb falls under the Minister of Justice and the Minister of the Interior and Kingdom Relations.