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Human rights and gender

In many countries, human rights are seriously violated, with women and indigenous communities often being hit the hardest. Together with our partners, Both ENDS works to safeguard human rights like the right to water and food, with special attention for the rights of women and the specific rights of indigenous people (such as the principle of free, prior and informed consent, FPIC). The shrinking space for civil society and increasing oppression in many countries makes it ever more difficult for our partner organisations to operate.

The fight for women's equality continues

Fighting for equal rights for women and men is an integral part of our mission. It is not only a matter of social justice, but also a requirement for achieving sustainable development. Both ENDS supports women's leadership, for example by helping them to get a place at the negotiating table, by promoting small grants funds that can ensure that climate and other funds are allocated directly to local women's groups, and by stimulating cooperation between environmental and women's organisations in the Global Alliance for Green and Gender Action (GAGGA).

FPIC: the right of indigenous peoples to participate in decision-making

Companies, governments and financial institutions that invest in projects in indigenous areas must adhere to the principle of FPIC. FPIC means that local communities must be able to participate in decision-making on projects in their territories, without being placed under pressure (free), before the project starts (prior) and on the basis of the correct information (informed). Both ENDS promotes FPIC to ensure that investors respect the rights of indigenous peoples.

Shrinking civic space

Unfortunately, in recent years, the space for civil society to act has been shrinking steadily worldwide. Non-violent protest is increasingly repressed with violence and freedom of the press, of expression and association is being restricted in many parts of the world.

The most serious consequence of this repression is the increasing threat to human rights defenders and those who protect the environment. Many of them have already given their lives in their struggle for justice. Both ENDS supports and strengthens them and their organisations, because a strong civil society worldwide is of crucial importance for fair and sustainable development.

Our work on the subject of Human rights and gender

  • Dossier

    The Netherlands and the SDGs: A better world starts with yourself

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    In 2015, the member states of the United Nations committed themselves to the ambitious Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Unlike their predecessors, the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), the SDGs recognise the importance of equality within and between countries, of decision-making processes in which all people are included and heard, and of legal systems that are independent and accessible to all.
  • Dossier

    Agua Zarca: indigenous fight against dam costs lives

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    Indigenous Hondurans are resisting the construction of the Agua Zarca hydrodam. Their fight has cost several lives, including that of Berta Cáceres. After considerable public pressure, Dutch development bank FMO withdrew from the project.
  • Transformative Practice

    A Negotiated Approach for Inclusive Water Governance

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    A Negotiated Approach envisages the meaningful and long-term participation of communities in all aspects of managing the water and other natural resources on which their lives depend. It seeks to achieve healthy ecosystems and equitable sharing of benefits among all stakeholders within a river basin. This inclusive way of working is an essential precondition for the Transformative Practices that are promoted by Both ENDS and partners.
  • Dossier

    Fighting for improvements in the production of palm oil

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    The production of palm oil is causing social and environmental problems worldwide. Both ENDS is working to make the sector fairer and more sustainable and is promoting alternatives for palm oil.
  • Dossier

    Suape: port expansion threatens paradise

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    Two projects insured by Atradius DSB in the Brazilian port of Suape have caused serious social problems and environmental damage. Both ENDS is helping the local people to obtain justice.
  • Dossier

    Indigenous communities threatened by Barro Blanco dam in Panama

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    The Barro Blanco dam project in Panama, which has Dutch financial support, is causing indigenous lands to disappear under water. Both ENDS is working to protect the rights of indigenous communities living near the dam.
  • Dossier

    All Eyes on the Amazon

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    Covering an area of 5.5 million km², the Amazon rainforest is the largest rainforest in the world. At least 12% of the forest has been lost in the last decades, and deforestation is still continuing at a rapid pace. Illegal logging, land grabbing and intimidation for agriculture, animal husbandry and mining are daily business, and impunity rules. Recent developments, such as the election of the new Bolsonaro government in Brazil, make the future of the Amazon region and the people living there even more uncertain than it already was.
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