| The Civil Honours Advisory
Commission was established in 1994. It is the Commission's task to
check honour nominations on a national basis and to advise the
'relevant minister' on the nominations. The minister then makes the
official decision to nominate someone for an honour. The Commission
consists of five members. Four have a seat on the Commission in a
personal capacity and are appointed by the Crown. The Chancellor of the
Dutch Orders is a member by virtue of his position. The Commission
Members are appointed on the basis of their good insight into social
relationships.
The advice of the Civil Honours Advisory Commission is
prepared officially. Each honour nomination is discussed at the meeting
of the Commission. Attention is paid to whether the person involved
should be honoured, and if so, to what order he could be appointed.
Next, the appropriate grade is studied. Further, the Commission advises
on the occasion at which the honour could be conferred. The Commission
is responsible for the 'national balance' in the nominations. This
compensates for any regional differences in the assessment of the
nominations.
The advice of the Commission carries a great deal of
weight. Should the minister not follow this advice, he must present
specific arguments. If the minister and the Commission cannot agree,
then the council of ministers will decide on the nomination. That
decision is binding.
In addition, the Commission advises on nominations to
confer the Honorary Medallion for Charitable Assistance in gold, silver
or bronze for carrying out a charitable act characterised by 'bravery,
leadership and self-sacrifice'.
The Commission specifies how the Rules of Procedure
should be applied and takes into account social developments. The
Commission has a controlling task in implementing and upholding the
system.
The Civil Honors Advisory Commission is located at Nassaulaan 18, The Hague.
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