DemocracyDrinks: Reflections on the Dutch Human Rights Policy

Policy Evaluation & Discussion

On 11 February 2025, the Directorate for International Research and Policy Evaluation (IOB)—the independent evaluation service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs—published its assessment of Dutch human rights policy (2017-2022).

At this month’s DemocracyDrinks, we will reflect on the key findings of the IOB report, discuss their implications for future policies, and explore how civil society can play a role in ensuring effective implementation.

Key Discussion Topics:

✅ The Netherlands’ role in multilateral human rights efforts and the need for stronger implementation.

✅ Strengthening civil society participation in human rights policymaking and addressing the shrinking civic space worldwide.

✅ Policy coherence: the role of human rights/the rule of law in the wider foreign policy.

Following the moderated discussion, there will be an interactive Q&A session, followed by networking over drinks.

Meet the Speakers

🎤 Dr. Martin van Vliet – Coordinating Policy Researcher at IOB since 2022, responsible for leading the evaluation of Dutch human rights policy. He has previously worked with various policy directorates at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the United Nations, and the Netherlands Institute for Multiparty Democracy, as well as conducting independent evaluations.

🎤 Veronika Pišorn – Coordinator of the Netherlands Human Rights Network (BMO), who will provide reflections from Dutch civil society and discuss key takeaways from the report.

About the Netherlands Human Rights Network (BMO)

The BMO is a coalition of 20 Dutch human rights and development organizations working to ensure human rights remain a priority in Dutch foreign policy. The network also focuses on countering the global trend of shrinking civic space by acting as a bridge between civil society and decision-makers.