The Netherlands and Chile: Justice and Inclusive Society - Chile EN
This page explains how the Netherlands and Chile work together to promote justice, human rights, and inclusive societies. It highlights Dutch expertise in strengthening democratic institutions, protecting fundamental freedoms, advancing gender equality, and supporting civil society. You’ll also find examples of bilateral cooperation, Dutch priorities, and opportunities to connect with the embassy.
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Human Rights and International Law
Peace and justice are part of the Netherlands’ DNA. Since Hugo Grotius laid the foundations of international law, the Netherlands has championed a functioning legal order that benefits all countries.
The Hague is known as the international City of Peace and Justice, hosting institutions such as the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, the International Criminal Court, the International Commission on Missing Persons, and several special tribunals and courts.
Dutch Commitments on Human Rights
- Human rights enshrined in the Dutch Constitution. These rights are also referred to as fundamental rights. A well-known example is chapter 1 of the Constitution, which says that everyone in the Netherlands must be treated equally in equal circumstances. Article 1 has been elaborated in separate legislation, such as the Equal Treatment Act.
- The Netherlands is a party to international human rights agreements, including theInternational Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women,Convention on the Rights of the Child, and theEuropean Social Charter.
- Priorities: freedom of expression, religion, equal rights for women, girls, and LGBTIQ+ communities, and support for human rights defenders.
Strengthening Human Rights Worldwide
Promoting human rights is a cornerstone of Dutch foreign policy. Human rights are rights that apply worldwide, to all people, in all places, at all times. They are the foundations of a democracy in which every person counts. The Netherlands strives to protect and promote human rights all over the world. The Human Rights Fund supports organizations globally via embassies, grant proposals, and contributions to international institutions.
Chile and the Netherlands
Bilateral relations are rooted in shared democratic values and respect for human rights. Examples include:
- Embassy support for the children’s book Nicolás tiene dos papás, promoting diversity and inclusion.
- Cooperation in the Coalition for Equal Rights for LGBTI people.
- Shared commitment to human rights in business.
Gender Equality and Women’s Rights
The Netherlands promotes equal rights and responsibilities for men and women.
Violence against women
Preventing and eliminating violence against women is a priority of Dutch human rights policy. The Netherlands are a party to the Istanbul Convention on preventing and combating violence against women and domestic violence). It’s is the most far-reaching international legal instrument to prevent and combat violence against women and domestic violence.
The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Chile runs visible, thought-provoking campaigns to call attention to the problem of violence against women. For instance, campaigns such as Orange the World highlight this issue, with embassy initiatives in Santiago
Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR)
The Netherlands is giving financial support to key organisations:
- the Global Financing Facility (GFF), which works to prevent infant and maternal mortality.
- the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), which makes contraceptives available in developing countries. It also works to end child marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM).
- UNAIDS, the United Nations fund which aims to stamp out HIV and ensure universal access to antiretrovirals.
Economic equality
The Netherlands is addressing gaps in women’s financial independence and unpaid work.
Women, Peace and Security (WPS)
The Netherlands’ WPS Fund (€35M) supports advocacy and capacity building for women’s rights organizations, implementing National Action Plan 1325 in conflict regions.
Responsible Business Conduct
Dutch companies are expected to respect human rights, working conditions, and the environment abroad. In Chile, this means ensuring business practices contribute positively to people and the planet.
Security and Cybercrime
The Netherlands promotes peace and security worldwide, from peacekeeping to combating cybercrime. Cooperation with Chile includes sharing best practices to protect critical infrastructure and strengthen resilience against cyber threats.
Working Together with the Netherlands on Justice and Inclusive Society
The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Chile supports partnerships that advance justice, human rights, and inclusivity. We connect Chilean stakeholders with Dutch expertise, institutions, and networks to co-develop projects that strengthen democracy, protect rights, and foster equality.
Together, we can create societies that are fair, inclusive, and resilient.
Connect with Us
Justice and inclusivity require collaboration across borders. The Netherlands invites Chilean partners from government, academia, and civil society to join us in building fairer, more inclusive communities.
For more information, please contact us at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Chile.