Human rights are under pressure worldwide: the Netherlands is taking a long-term approach
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In the Netherlands, we can decide for ourselves what we believe, who we love and what we say. But in many countries, doing so can cost you your freedom or even your life. Human Rights Ambassador Wim Geerts is committed to protecting these rights around the world. According to him, there is no quick solution. ‘You have to keep engaging in dialogue, listening to people and asking difficult questions. Even if you don’t see immediate change.’
We know ambassadors as the highest-level representatives of the Netherlands abroad. They foster relations between countries and provide assistance to Dutch people who live and travel abroad. After years of experience as a diplomat in countries including China, the United States and Canada, Ambassador Geerts now works in The Hague.
But the role of Human Rights Ambassador is slightly different. Instead of focusing on a specific country, Mr Geerts is committed to a specific topic, and a crucial one: human rights. The position was established 25 years ago to help the Netherlands protect human rights worldwide.
‘Human rights are a broad theme, and you can’t pay attention to everything. To have a meaningful impact, you have to make choices.'
What does the Human Rights Ambassador do?
‘My work falls into three main categories. I travel to other countries to talk with governments and organisations there about human rights. I receive foreign guests in the Netherlands to have the same conversation here. And I work within international organisations, such as the UN and the EU, to keep human rights high on the agenda.
But my work is not just about what happens abroad. I’m also in contact with a large network of NGOs in the Netherlands, from well-known names like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, to smaller organisations that focus on specific countries or themes.’
Do you focus on all human rights?
‘Human rights, as a topic, is very broad and you can’t pay equal attention to everything. That doesn’t mean certain issues aren’t important, but to have a meaningful impact you have to make choices.
The Netherlands has therefore selected five priority areas: the rights of women and girls, freedom of expression (both online and off), freedom of religion and belief, the protection of human rights defenders, and the rights of LGBTIQ+ people. Another important area for us is combating impunity, which is fitting given the Netherlands’ role as host country to various international courts and tribunals.’
‘No country’s human rights policy is flawless – not even the Netherlands’. That’s why it’s important to continue engaging in dialogue, listening to people and asking difficult questions.'
How do you engage in dialogue with countries where human rights are under pressure?
‘No country’s human rights policy is flawless – not even the Netherlands’. That’s why it’s important to continue engaging in dialogue, listening to people and asking difficult questions. That doesn’t mean I go around wagging my finger at people, telling them how we think things ought to be – that’s not an effective approach. I believe in open dialogue, even if it’s complicated.
Before holding this position, I was ambassador to China. There I experienced first-hand just how important it is to maintain a dialogue, even if you don’t see immediate change. There’s no quick fix. Improving human rights takes time and perseverance. And it requires a long-term approach.’
Can you tell us anything about your visits abroad?
‘A few weeks ago I was in Kenya, which is an important partner for the Netherlands – our diplomatic and trade relations go back more than 60 years. It’s also a country that’s struggling with human rights issues. Young people there are dealing with unemployment and inequality, and last summer that led to protests. The police responded using live ammunition and 60 people were killed. This tragedy has left deep scars.
During my visit, young people shared their concerns about police violence, corruption, unemployment and the need for better governance. I also spoke with other groups of people, such as human rights defenders and journalists, to get a good picture of the situation. Afterwards I met with the authorities, including the Kenyan Minister of Foreign Affairs.
That order was deliberate – I like to first listen to different societal groups, so that I can include their experiences in my discussions with the government. Of course, I’m very careful when I do this. The last thing we want is for someone to experience problems because they spoke with me. So I always follow the principle of ‘do no harm’ – for example, I don’t mention names if that could put someone at risk.’
How is the Netherlands viewed when it comes to human rights?
‘We also receive criticism. For example, we hear that we have double standards. It’s important to be honest and admit that, like other countries, we aren’t always 100% consistent. At the same time, we must clearly explain that not all situations are comparable. Every situation requires a unique approach.
In addition, we shouldn’t be defensive when it comes to our own record on human rights. We also have work to do in the Netherlands. Take, for example, the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. Although the Netherlands approved the treaty, it still has a lot of work to do in this area. If we want to be credible when addressing human rights in other countries, we have to be honest about our own shortcomings.’
'If we help improve human rights abroad, it helps strengthen security and stability and reduce pressure from migration.’
Have you noticed any rise in certain human rights violations?
‘We’re seeing that human rights are under pressure worldwide. After years of progress, we are now seeing pushback, especially with the rise in autocratic countries. Take LGBTIQ+ rights, for example: around the world, countries are passing more and more laws that restrict these rights. It’s happening in places such as Russia, Georgia, Iraq and Uganda.
But the problem is not limited to these countries alone. When human rights are violated in a country, it often leads to social unrest or even war. And then what happens? People flee their country in search of somewhere safe. If we help improve human rights abroad, it helps strengthen security and stability and reduce pressure from migration.’
Are you still hopeful for the future?
‘There are certainly setbacks and moments of frustration, but it’s also a matter of perspective. In 2001, the Netherlands was the first country in the world to introduce same-sex marriage. Since then nearly 40 countries have followed suit. Human rights won’t improve overnight. It takes patience, perseverance and time. And if we keep that in mind, there’s plenty of reason to be optimistic.’
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