Directorate-General for Political Affairs (DGPZ)

Multilateral Organisations and Human Rights Department (DMM)

DMM works to protect and promote human rights worldwide and deals with the Netherlands’ input within multilateral organisations. As a multilateral and policy theme department DMM is responsible for coordinating Dutch foreign policy on human rights, the various international organisations (such as the UN), the international financial institutions and international debt policy, as well as the various international courts and tribunals.

The Human Rights Ambassador works to bring greater coherence to Dutch human rights policy.

Security Policy Department (DVB)

DVB deals with Dutch security policy and works to promote Dutch and international security, the international legal order and international stability. The aim of Dutch security policy is to minimise our vulnerability and ensure that we are as prepared as possible for any unexpected developments. DVB is both a policy theme department and a multilateral department, whose focus includes NATO, the OSCE, the EU (Common Security and Defence Policy, CSDP), the UN (First Committee) and the IAEA.

Sanctions Policy Unit (ESB)

The Sanctions Policy Unit (ESB) is responsible for the strategic use and ongoing development of sanctions. For example, ESB is involved in the development of new EU sanctions packages. In order to coordinate sanctions compliance within central government, ESB is in daily contact with various implementing organisations. ESB guides the process of modernising the sanctions system, which is centred on drafting a new Sanctions Act.

Regional departments:

Western Hemisphere Department (DWH)

DWH is responsible for bilateral relations with North America, Latin America and the Caribbean, and for coordinating Dutch foreign policy relating to these countries. It follows developments in regional organisations, such as the Organization of American States (OAS). It also supervises the missions in the region and is their first point of contact. DWH is also the first point of contact for the representatives of Western Hemisphere countries in The Hague.

Asia and Oceania Department (DAO)

DAO is responsible for the Netherlands’ bilateral relations with Asia and Oceania, and for coordinating Dutch foreign policy relating to these countries. It maintains an extensive network within the foreign ministry itself and with other ministries in The Hague, Dutch representations around the world, the embassies of Asian and Pacific island countries in The Hague and Brussels, the EU, relevant international organisations, think tanks, universities and other knowledge institutions, and civil society organisations.

North Africa and Middle East Department (DAM)

DAM is responsible for the Netherlands’ bilateral relations with North Africa and the Middle East, and for coordinating Dutch foreign policy relating to these countries. It works together with the missions abroad and partners both in and outside the Netherlands to establish good ties with the countries in the region and promote the international legal order, peace and security. DAM works to ensure that Dutch interests are optimally served, and to safeguard the Netherlands’ security, prosperity and strong international position.

Sub-Saharan Africa Department (DAF)

DAF is responsible for the Netherlands’ bilateral relations with Sub-Saharan Africa and for coordinating Dutch foreign policy relating to these countries. It works with the embassies in Sub-Saharan Africa, NGOs and other knowledge partners, and civil society organisations. In 2023 the ministry submitted The Africa Strategy to the House of Representatives. This document sets out the Netherlands’ vision concerning its activities in the region in the coming years.