Peace and Justice

The Hague serves as a home base for some 200 international organisations that work to make the world a more just, secure, and peaceful place. It is home to renowned institutions such as the International Court of Justice (located in the Peace Palace), Europol, and the International Criminal Court headquarters. As a result, the Hague is known worldwide for its role as a figurehead of international law, policymaking, and efforts for global peace. People come to The Hague from all over the world to collaborate on solutions to global problems.

The City of Peace and Justice 

For many years, the city of The Hague has stood as a leading symbol for international peace and justice. The city is often featured in global news due to the number of high-profile legal cases and court proceedings that take place here. For over a century, The Hague’s legal and policy ecosystem has grown and flourished. It now attracts foreign business and investments that serve to further strengthen this reputation on the world stage. 

International Organisations 

Law, policing, and policymaking come together in The Hague, with hundreds of international governmental and intergovernmental organisations located in the region, including:

• The Peace Palace and the International Court of Justice (ICJ)

The ICJ is the official judicial body of the United Nations (UN). The Peace Palace is also home to the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA), The Hague Academy of International Law, and the Peace Palace Library.

• The International Criminal Court (ICC)

At this intergovernmental organisation, individuals stand trial for offences such as genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.

• The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)

Comprised of 193 member states, this Nobel Prize-winning organisation works towards the total prohibition of chemical weapons.

Unique Career Opportunities

The range of international organisations residing in The Hague offers plenty of exciting career opportunities for those working in the law and justice sector. These vary from prestigious governmental institutions to non-governmental organisations such as UNICEF, Oxfam Novib, and Cordaid. 

For those looking to pursue a career in law, policing, or policymaking, there are several universities and research centres nearby. The Hague University of Applied Sciences, the Leiden Campus The Hague, and the region’s other universities all attract a steady stream of highly educated talent. Other institutions include the Clingendael Institute, the T.M.C. Asser Instituut, The Hague Academy of International Law, and the International Institute of Social Studies, all of which draw students and professionals to the city from all around the world.

Curious to know more about career opportunities in The Hague? Discover the city’s key economic sectors, find out how to find a job as an international, and learn more about relocating to The Hague region.