Security and stability
Development aid helps keep the Netherlands safe. Improving stability in other countries reduces the risk of conflicts and wars. This prevents people from having to flee, avoids disruptions to international trade and limits space for radical groups and criminals.
Combating people smuggling, trafficking and terrorism
The Netherlands works to combat people smuggling, trafficking and terrorism. It does so by giving people in low- and middle-income countries better prospects for a future in their own country, for example by improving access to healthcare.
The Netherlands is also party to several international treaties against conventional weapons. It is important that countries around the world work together, because terrorism doesn’t stop at national borders.
Access to water and food
The Netherlands is also committed to giving people fairer access to basic necessities like food and water. This helps prevent conflicts and ensures that people do not have to flee their country. To achieve this, the Netherlands works with partners such as the European Union. For example in the Sahel, where Dutch support is improving access to food, water and healthcare, with a special focus on women and girls.
Strengthen local legal systems
The Netherlands helps other countries improve their legal systems and strengthen their police forces. This is important for stability and development, since it helps resolve conflicts peacefully and protect ordinary people against violence. It also prevents new conflicts. This reduces the number of people forced to leave their country. And it enables refugees to return home safely sooner.
Aid in regions close to Europe
The government is focusing on 3 regions close to Europe. Many conflicts are taking place in these regions. And migrant and drug trafficking routes to Europe pass through them. The regions are:
- West Africa (especially the Sahel region)
- the Horn of Africa
- the Middle East and North Africa.
The Netherlands also continues to support Ukraine. For example, the government is helping Dutch companies that want to work in Ukraine to carry out badly needed repairs to damaged infrastructure. This includes work on energy and water supplies and healthcare. They are also clearing unexploded landmines.
Importance to the Netherlands
Instability leads to tensions, conflicts and wars. These can have an impact on the Netherlands. For example, by disrupting trade and giving terrorist groups and criminals more room to operate. Many refugees also seek asylum in Europe. Development aid is an effective way to address these issues and prevent new conflicts. This contributes to our own security in the Netherlands.