Human Rights & The International Rules-Based Order

Human rights are the basis for any good democracy

The protection and promotion of human rights, the democratic constitutional state and the international legal order are the core of the foreign policy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands and a well-understood self-interest. Around the globe, we dedicate ourselves to protecting and promoting these values and that makes the Netherlands and Aotearoa New Zealand natural partners: both have strong values incorporated in its foreign policy, with a focus on human rights, democracy and international rule of law. You can read more on the Dutch policy here.

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Bilateral Cooperation - Equal Rights in the Pacific

Ambassador Ard van der Vorst with the ambassador of the European Union and the Canadian High Commissionar during the 2025 Wellington Pride. The embassy is a regular participant of Wellington Pride.

Equal Rights for LGBTI+ People is one of the five priorities of the abovementioned policy. In the Pacific Region, the Netherlands focuses on the promotion of these rights. Together with Aotearoa New Zealand the Netherlands has cooperated with the Pacific Sexual and Gender Diversity Network (PSGDN) and has contributed to decriminalization workshops throughout the Pacific. Both the Netherlands and New Zealand champion and promote equal rights for persons of diverse sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, and sex characteristics (SOGIESC) across the region.

Both Governments acknowledge the challenges involved in protecting and advancing SOGIESC-related rights in the Pacific. The support will help strengthen the capacity of local SOGIESC-related rights organizations, empower Pacific Islanders of diverse SOGIESC to have a voice in decision-making, and address discrimination in law and practice.

Increasing Knowledge and Promoting Awareness

The embassy was one of the promoters of a 2025 event "Women at the Table for Climate Action".

The Embassy further promotes human rights of LGBTI+ in the Pacific by increasing knowledge among local activists on the international human rights system and building a regional LGBTI+ network, including by supporting Pacific Islands activists to attend the ILGA Oceania Regional Conference in the region.

In Aotearoa New Zealand the Embassy is a participant in the local Pride parade in Wellington and organises numerous events to promote and raise awareness about human rights of LGBTI+ including film screenings and panel discussions.

Gender Equality and Women's Rights

Kaiwhakahaere Caroline Herewini and Deputy Ambassador Maarten Heetderks

In December 2025, the Embassy was honoured to support and fund the opening of a new training and community hub at Te Whare Tiaki Wāhine Refuge, a women's refuge centre in Porirua, Wellington.

Te Whare Tiaki Wāhine Refuge plays a vital role in providing safety, advocacy and long-term support for wāhine (women) and whānau (families) experiencing violence. The new training and community hub expands this mission by offering early support, skill-building opportunities and an empowering, accessible space for the community.

 

Working with the Netherlands on Human Rights

The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in New Zealand and the Pacific supports partnerships that advance justice, human rights, and inclusivity. We connect local 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.

Are you interested to learn more? Contact our team in Wellington here.