Introduction

In large parts of the world, poverty is decreasing, more children are going to school and standards of hygiene and health are improving. At the same time, however, human rights and democratic processes are under pressure in many countries. The gap between rich and poor is widening and critical voices are being silenced. Some countries are for example applying strict laws that make it difficult for journalists and human rights defenders to speak up against the government or companies. A stronger civil society can contribute to an open society and boost democracy and the rule of law.

The Netherlands supports civil society organisations in protecting and raising their voices for equality, human rights and democratic processes, with a particular focus on women’s rights and gender equality. Civil society organisations like trade unions, human rights and environmental organisations play a vital role in informing people, advocating for rights and expressing people’s concerns. They also act as bridges between structurally excluded or discriminated groups, companies and the authorities. They make authorities, companies and communities aware of their responsibility to implement laws, respect rights and pursue the internationally agreed Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

This makes civil society organisations important partners in the implementation of Dutch policy. This theme focuses on the results achieved under the Dialogue and Dissent policy framework, which is focused on strengthening an independent civil society and its contribution, to a more sustainable and inclusive society.

Results 2019

The Netherlands works in partnership with civil society organisations by engaging in strategic dialogue on goals and results, exchanging knowledge and using each other’s network. Each party contributes in its own unique way to combating inequality and promoting democracy. This allows results to be achieved in partnership that could not be attained otherwise.

The Netherlands supports 10,372 civil society organisations in more than 60 countries. In 2018/2019 7,377 initiatives were taken to inform and mobilise people and to engage in dialogue with authorities. This helped influence 1,481 laws, policies and standards to ensure they foster more inclusive and sustainable development.

Such results affect the lives of millions of people. They bring about structural long-term change, gradually improving the position of women and young people, thanks in part to organisations that inform them on their rights and protect their interests. These changes help improve the prospects of people in development countries, and contribute to stability and security in the interests of society both here and there.

Background

The results, experiences and lessons learned in the past year show that support for civil society remains as important as ever. Particularly now that civil society has less and less space to operate in many countries. In more than a hundred countries, freedom of association, assembly and expression are subject to severe restrictions, enforced by for example bureaucratic means or through overt violence. New technologies and surveillance methods are also increasingly being used to monitor and intimidate human rights defenders and peaceful demonstrators. This affects not only civil society organisations themselves but also the causes they stand for, such as efforts to achieve gender equality, combat corruption or protect the environment.

Protecting and enlarging space where people can speak out requires an approach tailored closely to the local context and based on ownership of local civil society organisations in helping determine how the Netherlands contributes. The Netherlands is one of only a few donors that supports the independent role of civil society and calls for an open civic space for them to operate. This approach is internationally acknowledged as unique and pioneering.

Glimpse into the future

The policy framework for Strengthening Civil Society (2021-2025) was published in November 2019. It focuses on the strong, independent role of civil society organisations and the social contract between the public, the state and the private sector. Working in strategic partnerships and promotion of women’s rights, gender equality and inclusion are cross-cutting themes in the framework. This ensures that a wide range of people, for example those with a disability, LGBTI individuals and religious and ethnic minorities, are actively involved.

The Power of Voices grant instrument is the successor of Dialogue and Dissent. It focuses on strengthening civil society organisations and their contribution to an inclusive and sustainable society. The protection and promotion of civic space is an even greater focus point than in previous policy frameworks.

Power of Voices also underlines the importance of ownership and strengthening the role and influence of organisations in developing countries in designing and implementing programmes. Dutch and international organisations are expected to give local organisations more autonomy, and complement their efforts through innovation and strengthening networks. In this way, the Netherlands hopes to foster more equal relations between organisations from different countries. The likelihood of successful and long-lasting change is also greater if the efforts are driven by local people and organisations themselves.