Urgent call to Minister Klever and the Dutch House of Representatives: A new policy framework for a stronger civil society

A strong civil society is essential for foreign trade and development cooperation. That is why the Strategic Partnerships^[1]Strategic Partnerships are groups of civil society organisations working together with each other and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. These partnerships work in the fields of climate change, gender … Continue reading,including the Green Livelihoods Alliance, are appealing to Minister Klever for Foreign Trade and Development and the Dutch House of Representatives to draft a new policy framework that strengthens civil society.

Header photo: IP youth pose for the camera at a youth camp in Northern Mindanao. Photo by NTFP-EP Philippines.

The Strategic Partnership framework is an approach to cooperation that engages civil society organisations to collaborate as partners on themes that the Netherlands is committed to advancing globally. The Forests for a Just Future programme of the Green Livelihoods Alliance, of which IUCN NL is part, is an important example of this. The organisations participating in this programme work on the sustainable and inclusive management of tropical forests to combat deforestation, human rights violations and climate change, and to secure local livelihoods.

Importance of strong civil society

A strong civil society is vital for democracy and human rights. Moreover, organisations and individuals that defend the environment and human rights have an indispensable role in protecting our planet. Their knowledge and commitment are crucial for sustainable solutions, but they are often the target of violence because they oppose traditional economic interests.

Maintain development aid

Unfortunately, in many countries around the world, the space for civil society is shrinking. Civic space is a precondition for continued resistance to anti-democratic influences and contributes to the fulfilment of human rights, international security, a fair rule of law and global stability.That is why it is so important to maintain our support at this precise moment. If we do not, who stands to benefit most are the authoritarian leaders that will use the opening to increase their power. It is therefore in everyone’s interest to protect civic space, including that of Dutch companies.

This is why the Strategic Partnerships make an urgent appeal to Minister Klever for Foreign Trade and Development and the Dutch House of Representatives to come up with a new policy framework on Strengthening Civil Society.

Call for new policy framework on Strengthening Civil Society

The document was translated to English using DeepL.