Artikel 22: Public health; housing; social and cultural development

Artikel 22
  1. The authorities shall take steps to promote the health of the population.
  2. It shall be the concern of the authorities to provide sufficient living accommodation.
  3. The authorities shall promote social and cultural development and leisure activities.

Explanation

Please note: Only the Dutch-language version of the Constitution has legal effect. 

The authorities must take measures to promote public health. The legislature has therefore enacted laws such as the Health Act, the Healthcare Market Regulation Act and the Public Health Act.

Housing is a basic human need. The authorities must therefore ensure that enough housing is available. The Housing Act and the Housing Allocation Act give effect to this duty. It concerns not only the number of homes, but also their quality.

The authorities must also enable people to develop socially and culturally and to enjoy leisure activities.