Protection of Human Rights Defenders (HRDs)

Amidst deteriorating human rights situation globally, the Netherlands Embassy attaches great importance to human rights defenders. By offering them visibility and protection, we support them in becoming resilient catalysts of change within their countries. We believe that constant consultations and dialogue with the civil society are necessary elements in doing so. We also directly engage through capacity building and the strengthening of human rights defenders and organization’s, while our Human Rights Fund provides a substantial financial reinforcement to help secure the contributions of these entities

Freedom of Expression

Freedom of expression is key for every well-founded democracy. Therefore, the Embassy has been supporting projects in Cambodia and Thailand to protect and promote freedom of expression. For instance, our Human Rights Fund provided support to the Journalism that Builds Bridges project to train grassroots citizen journalists from different parts of Thailand to form a collaborative, national network. Each reporter also addressed local concerns on political, social, economic, and human rights agendas. 

Another funded project in Cambodia aims to empower activists through online campaigns and radio dialogues designed to raise public awareness and build resilience for the civil society.
 

Equal Rights and Equal Opportunities: Gender Equality and LGBTIQ+ Rights

The Netherlands strongly believes that everyone is equal regardless of gender and sexual orientation. The Embassy has been actively collaborating with relevant stakeholders in Thailand, Cambodia and Laos in their advocacy to enhance solidarity and strengthen capacity across equality networks. As such, our annual LGBTIQ+ Movie Night in the Embassy’s garden, in collaboration with Document Our History Now, has become a tradition among a large audience base. The evening offers a forum for exchange of experiences, advocacy, and a safe space for discussion.

Our Human Rights Fund also supports projects aimed at promoting inclusivity and diversity, as well as addressing gender-based violence, particularly in the vulnerable community and the conflict zone such as the southernmost provinces in Thailand.