Europe
Netherlands.
The Dutch Criminal Code contains a narrow provision, Article 450, on failing to help a person in immediate danger of death. The central government publishes information on volunteering and sets out what counts as volunteer work, and the tax authority allows deductions for gifts to approved charities. The state also awards royal honors, including one for rescues.
Is there a legal duty to help a stranger?
LimitedArticle 450 of the Wetboek van Strafrecht punishes a person who, as a witness to another's immediate danger to life, fails to give or obtain the help they could reasonably give or obtain 'without danger to themselves or others', but only 'if the death of the person in need of help follows'. The penalty is detention of up to three months or a fine of the second category. It is classed among the 'overtredingen' (minor offenses).
Are people who help protected?
LimitedNo Dutch statute that gives helpers a specific immunity. Under Book 6 of the Burgerlijk Wetboek, 'zaakwaarneming' (Articles 198 to 200) is the general rule on voluntarily handling another's affairs; Article 200 says the person whose interest was properly looked after must compensate the damage the helper suffered as a result.
How the government promotes giving and service
Ways to give and volunteer
Dutch giving is well organized, with a national volunteering platform and a strong system of recognized public benefit institutions. Many local services also run through churches and other faith groups, which are not listed here.
Check a charity before you give
The tax authority explains which charities have ANBI status, which means they must publish their finances and goals; the CBF (cbf.nl) also lists recognized charities.
Give your time
Give money, blood or a donation
In an emergency or a crisis
Before you act
- Watch for street and door-to-door collectors who cannot show ID, and for emails or calls asking for payment to an unfamiliar account. Check that a charity is recognized by the CBF or has ANBI status and publishes annual accounts. Visitors from outside the EU may need a permit for unpaid work, so ask the host group first.
This list does not cover individual local clubs, neighborhood initiatives or faith-based charities. Checked 2026-10-28. Listing an organization is not an endorsement, and none of them has endorsed this site. Some official sites block automatic checks, so a link may need a second try.
One thing worth knowing
The Dutch rule is unusually narrow: Article 450 applies only to immediate danger to life and is punishable only if the person in need of help dies.
What this does not mean
This is a plain-language summary, not legal advice. My English renderings of the Dutch texts are not official translations. Rijksoverheid.nl notes that volunteers are not automatically insured and that some municipalities arrange insurance, so protection varies locally. The Wettenbank text of the Wetboek van Strafrecht shows a future amendment scheduled for January 1, 2027, so the current wording should be checked. This is a plain-language summary of public sources, not legal advice, and it does not rank countries. No government named here has endorsed this site. Not reviewed by a lawyer. Statutes were read in public sources and may have changed. Last checked October 26, 2026.