Equal rights for all

International agreements on human rights

The Netherlands is a reliable partner for human rights. It supports the following agreements:

• The Beijing Treaty and Platform for Action, which includes agreements on women’s rights and the position of women and girls in society;
• European Convention on Human Rights;
• The Istanbul Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence;
• UN Security Council resolutions on women, peace and security.

Programmes for equal rights for women

The Netherlands supports specific programmes that promote better protection for women and girls and help prevent violence against women. It is works to ensure the safety of women's rights defenders and of women and girls in conflict zones. It helps them make their voices heard, for example in peace talks. The Netherlands also supports programmes that help women who run small and medium-sized enterprises.

All of the development programmes that the government supports also contribute if possible to equality and respect for the rights of women and girls.

Healthcare for women, girls and vulnerable groups

Healthcare is one of the 3 priorities of Dutch development policy. The government helps improve access to healthcare in low- and middle-income countries and helps improve pandemic preparedness around the world. These efforts focus on care for women, girls and vulnerable groups.

Importance to the Netherlands

The Netherlands is known around the world for its work on equal rights. Everyone has the right to be who they are. It doesn't matter who you are or who you love. The government works on equal rights around the world.

Equal rights are important for building safe, peaceful and prosperous societies. Investing in women and girls contributes to a country’s development. When women and men have equal pay, incomes rise overall. Equal rights means fewer conflicts and more stability. That’s why equal rights for everyone around the world is an important issue for the Netherlands.