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Press release / 11 november 2024

Both ENDS's response to government letter on future cooperation with civil society organisations

DEN HAAG, 11 November 2024 - Today, the Dutch government published its policy on future cooperation with development organisations, both in the Netherlands and abroad. PVV minister Reinette Klever is putting the axe to this funding: she has decided to cut the budget for aid to international civil society by more than two-thirds: from roughly €1.4 billion to €0.4 billion in the period 2026 to 2030. This has major implications for critical voices at home and abroad, at a time when civic space for organisations around the world is already shrinking. Karin van Boxtel, director of environmental and human rights organisation Both ENDS: ‘This is an unprecedented step in exactly the wrong direction. Civil society organisations are essential for sustainable and social change worldwide. International movements fulfil multiple, indispensable roles: as a watchdog of the rule of law, as a driver of change, and as a counterforce against authoritarian tendencies. The weakening of support for these roles is a telling signal.’

Positive impact

In recent decades, the Netherlands has shown itself to be an important partner of people and organisations advocating for human rights, democracy and the environment worldwide. Through partnerships and cooperation with hundreds of civil society organisations, the Netherlands has been able to make a lot of positive impact. By making such outrageous cuts, the work of these people is jeopardised and the minister damages the Netherlands' reputation and international position.

International trend

Globally, we see a trend where authoritarian powers seek to strategically weaken civil society organisations. Critical voices are silenced and the space to stand up for democracy and human rights is increasingly shrinking. This is the case both in the global South and in the North. Today's government letter is a sharp break with the past, in which the Netherlands also supported critical civil society organisations - based on the belief that this contributes to a healthy, democratic rule of law.

Cooperation is essential

Civil society movements play a crucial role in defending and safeguarding human rights, including the rights of women and other vulnerable groups, and the environment. This hinges on their ability to cooperate internationally. Southern organisations, for instance, regularly find it impossible to influence national governments or access essential international decision-making processes. Van Boxtel: ‘We work in countries where partners are threatened and sometimes persecuted for their work. Support from Europe has proved essential for them to continue their work.’

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