Just Peace Open Day 2026

What is the Just Peace Open Day?

The Hague is known worldwide as the “International City of Peace & Justice,” and almost every monumental building in the city plays a role in building a more just and peaceful world.

From the Peace Palace to the International Criminal Court, to the Oranjehotel National Monument, the streets of The Hague breathe history! But what actually happens behind those grand doors every day? And how do people working in The Hague help make the world a better and fairer place? That’s why the Just Peace Open Day is here to find out!

For one special Sunday in September, around the International Day of Peace, Just Peace The Hague and more than 20 partners will open their doors to you for a look behind the scenes and to hear the stories of the people and history behind each institution.

Participating organisations in 2026:
More programmes will be announced soon. Visitor registrations will open in the first week of September. Stay tuned!

Nationaal Monument Oranjehotel

Come to a special classical concert by the Residentie Orkest at the Nationaal Monument Oranjehotel, where music, history, and art come together. As part of the Just Peace Open Day, visitors are invited to combine an inspiring musical experience with a meaningful visit to the museum. The programme also features the ongoing art project, Kites of Transformation, by artist Rienke Enghardt, symbolising freedom, hope, and collective solidarity.

Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW)

During the Just Peace Open Day 2026, visitors will learn about the regulation of chemical weapons from ancient times until today, including how the international community is working together to completely eliminate chemical weapons, and why OPCW’s work helps to make everyone safer.
Visitors are also invited to view a demonstration of OPCW inspection techniques, learn about internship and career opportunities, visit OPCW’s Memorial Garden, and take photos in the OPCW lobby, featuring the 193 flags of OPCW’s Member States.

Asser Institute

The Asser Institute is pulling back the curtain on how lawyers, communities, and NGOs use the courtroom as a tool for social change. Visitors are invited to join a panel discussion with speakers from the Asser Institute and NGOs who have taken real cases to court on issues such as gender equality and the legality of arms exports. You will hear directly from the people building these cases: why they chose litigation, what it took to win (or lose), and what changed afterward for the communities involved.

Peace Palace

Visit the iconic Peace Palace and discover the international institutions based there, including the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ). Established in 1899, the PCA was the first permanent intergovernmental organization for the peaceful settlement of disputes. The ICJ, established in 1945, is the principal judicial organ of the UN; it settles legal disputes between states and provides advisory opinions on legal questions. During a 75-minute program, the PCA, the ICJ, the Peace Palace Library, and the Carnegie Foundation will introduce visitors to their work and the history of this remarkable building; a rare opportunity to see inside the Peace Palace and to learn more about the international institutions housed within it.

International Esperanto-Institute

For the last 95 years, the International Esperanto-Institute has been part of the international peace movement. With its focus on peace and understanding through a common second language, a visit to the institute gives new insight in the auxiliary language Esperanto, and a new perspective on the meaning of equality within the context of international communication. On the Just Peace Open Day, the institute welcomes you to drop by its library during the day, between 11:00 and 14:00. You are also welcome to join one of the 45-minute introductory Esperanto lessons.

Rijksmuseum de Gevangenpoort

For centuries, the Prison Gate functioned as both the prison and courthouse of the mighty Court of Holland. The museum offers guided tours in which visitors discover how criminals were imprisoned, tried, and punished throughout the centuries. During the tour, they gain insight into the history of criminal law, the layout of the prison, interrogation methods, and the evolution of the modern criminal justice system. The museum experience offers a unique glimpse into the lives and fates of prisoners in medieval times and later.

Justice & Peace

Justice & Peace Netherlands is a non-profit organization dedicated to defending and promoting respect for human rights and social justice. Discover how Justice & Peace brings human rights into everyday life through its programmes and partnerships, with a special focus on Shelter City, which supports human rights defenders at risk around the world. Hear directly from human rights defenders currently in the Netherlands as they share their experiences, challenges, and the importance of international solidarity. Through an interactive session, visitors are also invited to reflect on how individuals, communities, and organisations can help make human rights more visible in everyday life.

NGO DEI

NGO DEI is a cultural and human rights organization based in The Hague that uses art, exhibitions, and public dialogue to promote freedom, democracy, inclusion, and international solidarity. On 12 September, Colors for Peace and NGO DEI hosted an outdoor drawing workshop in front of the Peace Palace, where children expressed their visions of peace, unity, and coexistence through art. During the Just Peace Open Day, visitors can join one of two guided tours of an exhibition at the NGO DEI Gallery featuring selected artworks from the workshop, curated by young artist Victor Gram. The exhibition highlights the diversity of children’s perspectives and serves as a visual dialogue on peace across cultures.

The Hague Humanity Hub

Are you passionate about peace and justice? Looking to explore The Hague’s vibrant community of professionals working towards a more peaceful and just world? Whether you’re a seasoned professional in the peace and justice sector, a student eager to connect and learn, or simply a curious member of the public, Just Peace Open Day at The Hague Humanity Hub is the event for you! Engage directly with representatives from leading peace and justice organizations. The Hub Café will feature stands from 13 different member-organisations: Eurojust, Windle International NL, First Draft Media, Anna Lindh Foundation, International Development Law Organization (IDLO), ImpactID, International NGO Safety Foundation, Wavemakers United Foundation, Foro Penal, Mediators Beyond Borders Europe, Amnesty International Student Group The Hague, The Hague Institute for Innovation of Law (HiiL), and Art of Living.

Additionally, Partos and HALO Trust will welcome you in their office at THHH. Learn about their impactful work and find opportunities to get involved.

Looking for a kids’ activity? Colors for Peace will host a workshop where children can express what peace means to them through drawing and painting. All materials (pencils, pens, and paints) will be provided!

Need a moment to catch your breath? Join an interactive workshop by Art of Living, where you’ll experience the powerful connection between your breath and your mental well-being. You’ll leave with practical breathing techniques and insights you can apply immediately!

Let’s bring Peace and Justice to life!

The Just Peace program is a collaboration between the municipality of The Hague and The Hague Humanity Hub and was set up in collaboration with numerous organizations in The Hague working towards a peaceful and just world.