Substantially less investment in development
Where about 1.4 billion was available over the past five years to strengthen civil society actors in low- and middle-income countries, Klever suggests reducing that amount to 390-565 million for 2026-2030. A potential cut of more than 70 per cent jeopardises valuable work focused on poverty reduction, health, education, and climate action. Her policy letter also contains measures that further restrict the latitude of civil society organisations, seriously affecting their ability to operate effectively and speak out in the interests of vulnerable groups.
Need for civil society cooperation
The work of CSOs is indispensable for sustainable and social change worldwide. They are deeply embedded in society and fulfil several crucial roles: as watchdogs of the rule of law, as advocates of transparency, and as countervailing forces against authoritarian tendencies. They are part of international partnerships and have an extensive and finely branched network. Maintaining global support for democratic processes, stability, peace, and human rights depends largely on the global networks of CSOs. The exchanges in those networks ensure that these issues are well on the agenda in the partner countries themselves, regionally and internationally – including in the Netherlands. Because through international cooperation, there is access to decision-making processes such as the United Nations.
A new funding model, in which organisations are asked to contribute 50% themselves, puts heavy pressure on both northern and southern partners. Together with the colossal cutback, it will exclude organisations doing important work in areas crucial to the Netherlands, such as gender equality, corporate social responsibility, climate, peace and security.
Impact on Dutch interests
With these cuts, the cabinet harms the Netherlands’ international position. The Netherlands’ reputation and trade partnerships suffer as the Netherlands misses the opportunity to act as a reliable ally in times of global challenges.
In these times of geopolitical tensions and global challenges such as poverty, climate change, conflict and erosion of the international rule of law, an intensification of our development efforts would be justified. This makes this huge cut incomprehensible and short-sighted. Especially in times of crisis, we must invest in sustainable development for stability, peace and security. Said Liana Hoornweg, director of Partos, the trade association for development cooperation representing more than 100 development organisations.
Call to the cabinet: recognise the need for the work of CSOs worldwide
It is now up to the Lower House to assess Minister Klever’s proposals. Partos calls on the Lower House to adjust the proposed policy. First of all by releasing more budget so that civil society actors worldwide can continue to do their important work.
At a time when international cooperation is needed more than ever to work on global challenges such as climate change, conflicts, inequality and poverty, we cannot afford to cut so hard on the civil society organisations that are working together on these issues. International partnerships and investments in human rights, democracy and climate are indispensable for a stable and just world.
Presentation action messages international partners ahead of budget debate
On Tuesday, 12 November, in the week of the crucial budget debate, Partos is in The Hague to protest against the proposed cuts by the Schoof administration. Together with international cooperation partners from Uganda, Nepal and Yemen, they will offer the Lower House BHO Committee hundreds of stories from people all over the world telling how they work with the Netherlands every day to find solutions to the major global challenges of our time. On behalf of dozens of civil society organisations, Partos will appeal to the Lower House on that day to prevent the Netherlands from losing its role and influence in the international playing field.