Mission
Across wider Europe, increasing rule-of-law backsliding and human rights violations are posing a fundamental challenge to peaceful coexistence on the continent, with direct and often harmful consequences for citizens. Yet even in difficult circumstances, courageous individuals and organisations continue to stand up for fundamental rights and justice, challenging entrenched power structures that perpetuate inequality. Building on more than 35 years of experience, the Netherlands Helsinki Committee’s mission is to inspire, engage, and support these catalysts of change in building just and rights-respecting societies. Our work focuses on strengthening vibrant civil society organisations that defend human rights, promoting government accountability and integrity, and supporting independent, inclusive, and humane justice systems that place people—especially those who are marginalised or historically underrepresented in decision-making—at the centre. By strengthening capacities, amplifying voices through advocacy, and connecting networks across civil society, governments, and justice institutions, we mobilise peer-to-peer expertise and build bridges between actors working for change. Together, we stand for human rights, the rule of law, and justice across wider Europe.
