What is the reason behind the Human Rights Defenders Tulip?

All over the world, including in regions of the Netherlands, respect for human rights requires – often substantial – improvement. In some places, human rights are violated continuously and to a horrible extent. The Dutch government decided to make human rights a key aspect of foreign policy. The motto is: human rights for everyone, everywhere and always.

Everyone in the world has a right to a life of human dignity. If presented with an opportunity to make a difference – and the Dutch government indeed has that opportunity – you should grab it with both hands. Another reason why the Netherlands champions human rights is because it has a direct interest in human rights being respected elsewhere. After all, it will reduce the risk of conflict and flows of refugees, while increasing trade and investment opportunities and, consequently, prosperity.

Improvement of a country’s human rights situation cannot solely be imposed from abroad. While a certain degree of influence may obviously be exercised – something the Netherlands is already doing – where necessary, real change should also come from within. The role of local human rights defenders is indispensable.

Human rights often involve a struggle, fuelled by the work of human rights defenders. Although they regularly face resistance and violence, these individuals continue undaunted, which often requires a lot of courage. The Dutch government awards the Human Rights Defenders Tulip each year to emphasise the importance of their commitment and further bolster one of these human rights defenders in their efforts.