Samenvatting

After several revolutions in the Arab world, the question raised what the Netherlands and in particular The Hague as city of Peace and Justice could do to help reforms in the Arab region. This dissertation outlines the various reasons which have led to several revolutions in the Arab world, also known as Arab Spring. It describes the political changes in the Arab world since the beginning of the 20th century. As an example of the difficulties Arab countries faced during the Arab Spring, the development related to the Arab Spring in Tunisia are researched. After a historic overview, the current situation in Tunisia is discussed. The Tunisian government is working hard to improve the situation in the country; the main reasons which have led to the Arab Spring in Tunisia have not changed much. The unemployment rate and economic situation are almost the same as before the revolution. The Tunisian population is demonstrating against the current transition government. In this process, the Netherlands and The Hague as city of Peace and Justice can offer some help in order to resolve specific problems. The Netherlands, in collaboration with other economic developed countries, should support Tunisia during its transition. The Netherlands should invest in the Tunisian economy. The Royal Dutch Embassy in Tunisia already organised some events in order to promote the Tunisian economy. Furthermore, the Netherlands could advise the transition government of Tunisia. The current government will need some support in order to regain trust from its own population. Expert advice may encourage the completion of the new Tunisian constitution. Besides the role of the Netherlands, The Hague as city of Peace and Justice can also make a contribution. The Hague and its International Organisations can advise the judicial system to become more transparent and less corrupt. Since the judicial system is not impartial and objective in Tunisia at this moment, important judicial decisions are not accepted by the Tunisian population. With support from The Hague, Tunisia's judicial system can become one of the pillars of the new Tunisia. In addition, the NGOs which are situated in The Hague should assist with creating a new civil society. NGOs here in The Hague should find suitable partners in Tunisia, which will lead to more support for a reformed Tunisian government on the long term. Tunisia has a chance to become an Islamic country with a democratic system of government.