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Welcome
Welcome and thank you for visiting our renewed website. Here, you will find information about the Dutch Permanent Mission and on the activities at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. If you have any questions, queries or suggestions, don't hesitate to contact us. We are here to help you.

H.E. Frank Majoor
Permanent Representative

Headlines
1 Jul 09 Call for nominations for Human Rights Defenders Tulip 2009
Nominations are now being accepted for the 2009 Human Rights Defenders Tulip award. Anyone can nominate a candidate for the human rights defenders award at www.humanrightstulip.org. The award, an initiative of the Dutch Government, will be presented by the Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs on 9 November 2009. (more)
29 Jun 09 Koenders: UN conference on international economic crisis a success
The UN conference on the economic crisis and its impact on development held in New York last week was concluded successfully on 26 June. As special envoy, development minister Bert Koenders had been closely involved in the preparations for the conference. Lengthy negotiations between the G77 countries, the United States and the EU ultimately resulted in a breakthrough. (more)
29 Jun 09 Koenders fulfilled key role at UN conference on the crisis and its impact on development
At last week’s successful UN conference on the financial and economic crisis and its impact on developing countries in New York, development minister Bert Koenders compared the crisis to a rapidly spreading pandemic. ‘The crisis takes a heavy toll every day, particularly on developing countries. Swift measures are needed to limit the effects of the crisis in poor countries.’ (more)
25 Jun 09 Vacature: Medewerker Receptie (m/v)
Met ingang van 27 juli aanstaande ontstaat bij de PV VN New York een vacature voor de parttime functie van "medewerker Receptie" (m/v). Deze functie werd ingedeeld in loonschaal 4 ($3.708,- bruto per maand bij een fulltime betrekking). (more)
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24 Jun 09 Koenders attends successful Sudan peace conference
On 22 June, development minister Bert Koenders attended the Sudan peace conference in Washington DC at the request of the US Special Envoy to Sudan, Scott Gration, and the US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton. (more)
22 Jun 09 Netherlands and Russia to jointly explore piracy tribunal
The Netherlands and Russia will conduct a joint investigation of the prospects for establishing an international tribunal in the Horn of Africa to try Somali pirates. The plan was an outcome of talks on 20 June in Amsterdam between foreign minister Maxime Verhagen and his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov. (more)
19 Jun 09 Koenders calls for drastic reforms to multilateral development cooperation
Speaking yesterday in The Hague development cooperation minister Bert Koenders called for drastic reforms to Dutch support for multilateral development cooperation. The minister referred to a scorecard he has drawn up, comparing international organisations such as the UN and the World Bank. (more)
19 Jun 09 Rape as an instrument of war must not go unpunished
Those who use rape as an instrument of war should not be permitted to walk free with impunity. Perpetrators of such atrocities should be prosecuted and convicted. This was the message conveyed by Maxime Verhagen, Minister of Foreign Affairs, in his opening speech at the conference on Sexual Violence as International Crime: Interdisciplinary Approaches to Evidence in The Hague. (more)
16 Jun 09 The Netherlands supports the fight against nuclear terrorism
The Netherlands has promised an additional €250,000 to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to help combat nuclear terrorism. This was announced by Minister of Foreign Affairs Maxime Verhagen in a speech at the opening of the conference of the Global Initiative to Combat Nuclear Terrorism in The Hague. (more)
16 Jun 09 Verhagen protests against violence in Iran to chargé d’affaires
Minister of Foreign Affairs Maxime Verhagen has summoned the Iranian chargé d’affaires ad interim in the Netherlands to convey the Dutch government’s serious concerns about the handling of the elections and the excessive force used against demonstrators. (more)
15 Jun 09 Verhagen: ICC should be authorised to try terrorists
Minister of Foreign Affairs Maxime Verhagen will seek to amend the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague to expand the Court’s scope for trying terrorists. The Minister announced this intention at a conference of international legal experts in The Hague. A conference on reviewing the Statute will be held at the beginning of 2010. (more)
15 Jun 09 Verhagen concerned about political violence in Iran
Minister of Foreign Affairs Maxime Verhagen is concerned about the large-scale arrests of political opponents of the current Iranian president. He has pointed out that arrests and further restrictions on the media are the wrong response to the many serious challenges facing Iran, both domestically and internationally. (more)
15 Jun 09 Verhagen: acceptance of Palestinian state a step in the right direction
The Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s willingness to accept an independent Palestinian state as part of a Middle East peace deal is an important step in the right direction, according to Dutch foreign minister Maxime Verhagen. He was speaking in response to a major address by the prime minister, outlining Israeli policy for the coming period. (more)
13 Jun 09 Koenders concerned about aid work in Pakistan: pledge extra emergency aid of €1 million
Minister for Development Cooperation Bert Koenders is seriously concerned about the future of two million Pakistani refugees, who have fled the northern Swat Valley to escape fighting between the Pakistani army and the Taliban. (more)
12 Jun 09 Book on child labour by Peter de Ruiter presented at UN in New York
On Friday 12 June 2009, the World Day Against Child Labour, World Vision presented together with Deputy Permanent Representative of the Netherlands Mission, Piet de Klerk, the photo book "A world for children - Growing up without child labour" at a press conference at the UN in New York. The author/photographer, Peter de Ruiter, attended the presentation, provided information about the content of the book and why the book was made. (more)
11 Jun 09 Development reaches the Baluchi Valley
Following the recent military operations in the Baluchi Valley and neighbouring Dorafshan, more development projects have been set up in this part of Uruzgan. The provincial governor, Asadullah Hamdam, and his public health director today opened a new health centre in the Valley. On Monday 8 June, local leaders met for a shura, or specially convened assembly, to discuss local development. (more)
9 Jun 09 Verhagen calls for human rights improvements in Zimbabwe
The Netherlands wants the new Zimbabwean government to put an immediate end to violations of human rights in the country. This message was conveyed today by foreign minister Maxime Verhagen to Zimbabwe’s prime minister Morgan Tsvangirai. (more)
5 Jun 09 Verhagen and religious leaders meet Dalai Lama
Minister of Foreign Affairs Maxime Verhagen met the Dalai Lama in St James’s Church, The Hague this morning. With representatives of the Jewish, Protestant and Catholic communities he exchanged views with the Tibetan religious leader on the dialogue between religions, human values and rights and the situation in Tibet. (more)
4 Jun 09 The Netherlands proposes anti piracy tribunal
Minister of Foreign Affairs Maxime Verhagen has presented a group of interested countries with a proposal for an international tribunal to bring Somali pirates to justice. The proposal was presented to the Contact Group on Piracy in New York. (more)
4 Jun 09 Koenders: Renewed cooperation with the US brings Copenhagen agreement closer
‘A major step forward.’ This is how Minister for Development Cooperation Bert Koenders described the agreements reached by western development and environment ministers at the end of a two-day meeting in Paris. They had met to discuss the impact of climate change on developing countries. (more)
28 May 09 Verhagen disappointed at outcome of Special Session on Sri Lanka
The United Nations Human Rights Council has not agreed on a joint declaration expressing concern about the grave situation in Sri Lanka. (more)
28 May 09 Koenders to co-chair High-Level Meeting in Paris
Financing for climate change in developing countries is high on the agenda of the Joint High-Level Meeting of the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) and the Environmental Policy Committee (EPOC) that will be held in Paris on 28 and 29 May. Development minister Bert Koenders will co-chair this meeting together with his South Korean counterpart, Shin Kak-soo. (more)
27 May 09 Europe and Asia call upon Burma to release prisoners
Over forty European and Asian foreign ministers have called on Burma to release all political prisoners in the very near future and to end restrictions on political parties. They did so today in the final declaration of the Asia-Europe Meeting in Hanoi, Vietnam. (more)
26 May 09 Rights to food and water are also human rights, says Koenders
Yesterday, during his opening address at the Seminar on Human Rights and the Millennium Development Goals, development minister Bert Koenders said that the refugees in Sri Lanka and Pakistan have the right to food, drink, and shelter. He said that these social and economic rights are also human rights, and that the governments responsible must ensure that they are not violated. He would hold them accountable for that. (more)
25 May 09 Verhagen concerned about North Korean nuclear test
Foreign minister Maxime Verhagen expressed his concern today at reports that North Korea had staged a nuclear test and test-fired several short-range missiles. Mr Verhagen is in Hanoi, Vietnam, where he is attending the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) of Ministers of Foreign Affairs. (more)
24 May 09 Uruzgan: police officers proud of their diplomas
At an official ceremony to open the new police training centre in Tarin Kowt (Afghanistan), the Afghan deputy interior minister Haidar Basir awarded passing-out diplomas to 97 newly trained police officers. Also present at the opening were the governor of Uruzgan province, Asadaulla Hamdan, and the Dutch ambassador to Afghanistan, Hans Blankenberg. (more)
19 May 09 Koenders appointed UN special envoy
Development minister Bert Koenders has been appointed as a UN special envoy for the reform of the financial architecture. His appointment was announced at a meeting of the Stiglitz Commission in The Hague. (more)
19 May 09 Koenders gives extra emergency aid to Sri Lanka
Development minister Bert Koenders has decided to provide an extra €1 million euros in emergency aid for Sri Lanka, to help the tens of thousands of civilians who have fled the fighting between the Tamil Tigers and the government army. (more)
18 May 09 Verhagen condemns arrest and detention of Aung San Suu Kyi
Minister of Foreign Affairs Maxime Verhagen has condemned the arrest of the Burmese opposition leader and Nobel Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi and her subsequent detention in the Insein prison in Rangoon. (more)
18 May 09 Verhagen: there is absolutely no excuse for excluding or persecuting homosexuals
Religion, culture and tradition must not be used as an excuse for excluding or persecuting people on the grounds of their sexual orientation. This was foreign minister Maxime Verhagen’s key message on Friday 15 May at an event marking the presentation of Boris Dittrich’s new book, Elke Liefde Telt (Every Love Counts). (more)
15 May 09 EU € 1 billion "Food Facility": EU Commission signs the first contribution agreements with UN partner agencies
Today, Mr. Koos Richelle, Director-General of the EuropeAid Co-operation Office, signed on behalf of the European Commission the first contribution agreements of the EU "Food Facility" with three UN implementing partners: the FAO (€106 million), UNRWA (€ 39.6M) and UNICEF (€8.2M). Similar contribution agreements with the World Food Programme (€38.7M), and UNOPS (€ 10M) are expected to be finalized shortly, to be followed by agreements with the World Bank, IFAD and UNDP. (more)
15 May 09 WTO impressed by Dutch Aid for Trade strategy
‘One of the ways in which the Netherlands combats poverty in developing countries is by increasing opportunities for trade. It’s no longer a matter of choosing between aid or trade. It’s about aid for trade,’ said development minister Bert Koenders. (more)
14 May 09 Koenders signs Dutch-South African higher education partnership agreement
Development minister Bert Koenders and Blade Nzimande, South Africa’s Minister of Higher Education, have signed an agreement on cooperation in higher education between South Africa and the Netherlands. (more)
14 May 09 Saudi Arabia constructive in peace process
Minister of Foreign Affairs Maxime Verhagen and his counterpart, Prince Saud Al-Faisal met today in the Saudi capital of Riyadh to discuss the Middle East peace process. Saudi Arabia is one of the sponsors of the Arab peace initiative. (more)
11 May 09 Blair praises Dutch climate policy
Former British prime minister Tony Blair spoke highly of Dutch climate and energy policy at an international meeting on Friday 8 May, saying that the Netherlands is in the forefront in this area. (more)
11 May 09 Award for Dutch environmental disaster strategy
In Brussels today, the Dutch government received the Green Star award for its international environmental disaster strategy. The prize is awarded to companies, organisations or governments that have made remarkable efforts to prevent, prepare for and respond to environmental disasters around the world. (more)
7 May 09 United Nations expands presence in southern Afghanistan
The United Nations Envoy for Afghanistan, Kai Eide, today opened the 19th UN office in Tirin Kot, the provincial capital of Uruzgan. The office was opened in the presence of the Foreign Minister of the Netherlands, Maxime Verhagen, and the Governor of Uruzgan, Assadullah Hamdam. (more)
7 May 09 Road works begin between Tarin Kowt and Chora
In Afghanistan, today, the first step in the construction of the new road linking Tarin Kowt and Chora was marked at a tape-cutting ceremony. Uruzgan governor Asadullah Hamdam and Gert Both, representing the German development organisation GTZ, did the honours. (more)
4 May 09 Koenders strengthens ties with the US
‘The Obama administration is deeply committed to greater involvement in development cooperation, and it would like to work more with the Netherlands, in places like Sudan, Pakistan and Afghanistan,’ said Minister for Development Cooperation Bert Koenders. (more)
4 May 09 Verhagen applauds appointment of Special Representative on Violence Against Children
The Secretary-General of the United Nations has appointed Marta Santos Pais of Portugal as his Special Representative on Violence Against Child. Minister Verhagen was delighted with the appointment: ‘It is high time. Now we can begin in earnest to eliminate violence against children.’ (more)
4 May 09 Dutch mission to Bosnia Herzegovina extended
The Dutch cabinet decided to extend by a year the Netherlands’ contribution of 85 service personnel to EUFOR, the European mission in Bosnia-Herzegovina. EUFOR monitors the implementation of the Dayton Peace Accords, which ended the war in that country in 1995. (more)
27 Apr 09 Koenders modernising Dutch support for multilateral institutions
‘Like NGOs, multilateral institutions must work together more effectively, make results visible, and align their policies more closely with the needs of developing countries: more tailor-made approaches, fewer ready-made answers.’ (more)
24 Apr 09 The Netherlands supports AU Somalia mission to tackle causes of piracy
Foreign minister Maxime Verhagen has announced that the Netherlands will contribute $1.5 million to training African Union troops for the mission in Somalia (AMISOM). Yesterday a donor conference was held in Brussels to raise money for the mission and for developing the police force of the Somali transitional government. (more)
22 Apr 09 Verhagen wants Hague Invasion Act to be revised
‘US legislation that could justify the use of force against the Netherlands to keep Americans out of the hands of the International Criminal Court in The Hague is outdated and should be amended.’ (more)
22 Apr 09 Koenders calls for humanitarian truce in Sri Lanka
Development minister Bert Koenders is extremely concerned about the 50,000 people caught up in the fighting between the Sri Lankan army and the Tamil Tigers. (more)
22 Apr 09 United States pleased with Dutch contribution to G20
The United States welcomes the Dutch government’s opposition to protectionism at the G20, said US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton following a meeting in Washington with her Dutch counterpart Maxime Verhagen. (more)
21 Apr 09 Verhagen visits Washington
Foreign minister Maxime Verhagen is visiting Washington, DC on 20 and 21 April. During this visit he will speak with members of the Obama administration on transatlantic relations, Afghanistan, the Middle East and human rights. (more)
20 Apr 09 The Netherlands will not participate in UN anti-racism conference
The Netherlands will not participate in the United Nations anti-racism conference to be held next week in Geneva, Switzerland. The proposed final declaration is not in keeping with the aim of the conference and the Netherlands finds it unacceptable. (more)
17 Apr 09 Koenders: the Netherlands joins Friends of Pakistan group
The Netherlands has officially joined the Friends of Democratic Pakistan (FoDP), development minister Bert Koenders announced in Tokyo on 17 April. The minister was there to attend a donor conference chaired by Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari and Japanese foreign minister Hirofumi Nakasone. (more)
15 Apr 09 Security partnership with Burundi
Development minister Bert Koenders has concluded an agreement on military and police cooperation with the Burundian government, which he signed in his own capacity and on behalf of his fellow ministers Maxime Verhagen (foreign affairs) and Eimert van Middelkoop (defence). (more)
13 Apr 09 Dutch aid effective in eastern Congo
‘The humanitarian situation in eastern Congo has improved considerably,’ said development minister Bert Koenders at the end of the second day of his visit to Goma (Democratic Republic of Congo). ‘An end has come to the fighting, and more than 300,000 displaced persons have returned to their villages. I don’t want to call it irreversible, but I am cautiously optimistic.’ (more)
13 Apr 09 Verhagen: Use public diplomacy to fight extremism
The Netherlands will use public diplomacy more vigorously to resist extremism in the Islamic world and elsewhere. Foreign minister Maxime Verhagen made this announcement at a meeting of the Alliance of Civilisations in Istanbul. (more)
8 Apr 09 'Economic recovery, jobs and a moral dimension'
Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende has welcomed the G20 summit deal, saying it could 'help the global economy back on its feet, secure jobs and give the market a moral dimension'. (more)
6 Apr 09 The Netherlands to end development relationship with seven countries
Development minister Bert Koenders has announced, in a letter to the House of Representatives, that the Netherlands will be ending its development relationship with seven countries: Albania, Armenia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Cape Verde, Eritrea, Macedonia, and Sri Lanka. His letter of 3 April 2009 concerns the results of an evaluation into ending and reshaping aid relationships. (more)
6 Apr 09 Verhagen: ‘Afghan law that discriminates against women suspended’
The Afghan law that legitimised blatant discrimination against women will be suspended, foreign minister Rangin Dadfar Spanta assured his Dutch counterpart Maxime Verhagen on Saturday. The announcement followed pressure by the Netherlands and other NATO and EU countries. (more)
6 Apr 09 NATO to promote nuclear disarmament
The North Atlantic Treaty Organisation is to do more to promote nuclear disarmament. NATO’s member states agreed on this objective at a summit held in Baden-Baden (Germany) and Strasbourg (France). ‘The international climate offers real opportunities for progress,’ explained Dutch foreign minister Maxime Verhagen after the summit. (more)
6 Apr 09 At G20, Koenders supports trade credits for poorest countries
The Netherlands will take part in an innovative programme that was launched at the G20 summit in London to promote financing of trade in developing countries. (more)
6 Apr 09 Festive opening of NY400 celebrations in the Ridderzaal
On 1 April, foreign minister Maxime Verhagen opened a series of events celebrating the 400th anniversary of friendly ties with the United States. The inauguration ceremony took place in the Ridderzaal, where Dutch and American guests attended a gala dinner. (more)
2 Apr 09 Uruzgan: security for Afghans by Afghans
On 29 March, local leaders in Uruzgan took an important step towards an all-Afghan security apparatus. A provincial security plan was signed by the governor, police and army commanders, and the director of the intelligence service. (more)
2 Apr 09 Netherlands wants new Israeli government to resume peace process
The Netherlands has asked the new Israeli government to act fast in resuming negotiations with the Palestinian Authority on a two-state solution. ‘We will judge the new government on its actions,’ said Dutch foreign minister Maxime Verhagen. (more)
2 Apr 09 Verhagen pleased with US candidacy for UN Human Rights Council
The Netherlands is pleased that the United States is standing for election to the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC). ‘It’s good that the US, as a pioneer in human rights, is again assuming its reponsibility in the Human Rights Council,’ said Dutch foreign minister Maxime Verhagen. (more)
31 Mar 09 Afghanistan Conference concludes with Chairmen's Statement
The Government of Afghanistan and the international community met today in The Hague at the invitation of the Government of the Netherlands. They agreed that greater energy and clear direction must urgently be provided to ensure more effective support for the people of Afghanistan, for its security and prosperity as well as for its democratic and human rights. (more)
31 Mar 09 Dutch aid agencies extend programme in Uruzgan
The Dutch Consortium for Uruzgan, a platform of five Dutch aid agencies, plans to extend its programme in Uruzgan over the next four years. To this end a contract worth €14 million has been signed with the Dutch embassy in Kabul. (more)
31 Mar 09 Netherlands stepping up support for human rights worldwide – says Verhagen
The Netherlands is stepping up its support for human rights worldwide, says foreign minister Maxime Verhagen in his 2008 Human Rights Report, submitted to Parliament yesterday. (more)
30 Mar 09 Minister Verhagen to talk with UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and US envoy on Afghanistan
Mr Verhagen will welcome UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon at Rotterdam Airport and discuss the conference with him. Mr Verhagen will then have a working dinner with his two conference co-chairs: UN special representative for Afghanistan Kai Eide and Afghan foreign minister Rangin Dadfar Spanta. (more)
30 Mar 09 Verhagen: excellent turnout for Afghanistan conference
Seventy-two of the 73 countries invited to the International Conference on Afghanistan in The Hague have now confirmed that they will be attending. Only Uzbekistan has declined the invitation. Nine international organisations and six observers will also be present. A total of nearly 700 delegates will participate in the conference. (more)
30 Mar 09 Diplomat leads military reconstruction team in Uruzgan
Diplomat Joep Wijnands this week took over command of the Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) at Camp Holland in Uruzgan – the first time a civilian has led a military reconstruction team. In the view of foreign minister Maxime Verhagen and development minister Bert Koenders, it is a logical step forward in Uruzgan’s development. (more)
27 Mar 09 Ambassador Majoor appointed as facilitator UN Conference on Financial and Economic Crisis
The president of the General Assembly has appointed Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to the United Nations, H.E. Frank Majoor, as facilitator for the United Nations Conference on the World Financial and Economic Crisis and Its Impact on Development. (more)
26 Mar 09 Dutch princess named UN envoy on literacy
The head of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has designated Princess Laurentien of the Netherlands to assist the agency in promoting literacy. (more)
23 Mar 09 Overview of Dutch Ambassadors to the UN
Since the founding of the United Nations in 1946, the Netherlands has had 16 Permanent Representatives in New York (current Ambassador Majoor is the 17th). A new addition to this website is an overview of all Permanent Representatives, including a short bio, a picture and links to additional information. (more)
20 Mar 09 UN human rights oversight can be improved, says Verhagen
Foreign minister Maxime Verhagen wants the UN to monitor more closely whether countries are honouring their commitments in the area of human rights. The Netherlands and Ireland are therefore organising a special meeting at the Human Rights Council in Geneva to look at the work of the committees that oversee the implementation of the human rights conventions. (more)
19 Mar 09 Verhagen welcomes Obama's support for UN gay rights declaration
Foreign minister Maxime Verhagen welcomes the US intention to support the UN declaration calling for the decriminalisation of homosexuality. The declaration was drawn up in December at the initiative of France and the Netherlands. (more)
17 Mar 09 EU agrees on alternative text for anti-racism conference
At the Netherlands’ initiative, the European Union has proposed an alternative final declaration for the UN Durban Review Conference. (more)
17 Mar 09 The Netherlands fights arms smuggling into Gaza
The Netherlands, the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Denmark, Germany, France, Italy and Norway have announced a joint action programme to fight the illegal trafficking of arms and munitions into Gaza. The aim of the programme is to help bring about a permanent ceasefire in and around Gaza. (more)
17 Mar 09 Netherlands supports peace process in eastern Congo
‘The CNDP rebels have to be integrated as quickly as possible into the Congolese army.’ That was the message of former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region, in his talks this morning with development minister Bert Koenders. (more)
16 Mar 09 The Netherlands deploys frigate in NATO operation against piracy
In the next few months, the Netherlands is to deploy the frigate HNLMS De Zeven Provinciën in a NATO operation to fight piracy off the coast of Somalia. (more)
16 Mar 09 The Netherlands extends commitment to UN peace mission in Southern Sudan
The Netherlands will this year continue to contribute to the UN peace mission in Sudan (UNMIS). Thirty Dutch military personnel and police officers will remain in place, monitoring compliance with the peace agreement between Northern and Southern Sudan. (more)
13 Mar 09 International Conference on Afghanistan: Security, Development and Diplomacy in a Regional Context.
During a meeting at the Netherlands Foreign Ministry today, invitations for the international conference on Afghanistan have been transmitted to representatives of international organisations and the ambassadors of the countries invited. Press accreditation will start on Monday March 16 at 9 am. On that day a website will be launched which provides all practical information about the conference. (more)
12 Mar 09 Verhagen disappointed at travel ban on human rights defender Jabarin
Foreign minister Maxime Verhagen is very disappointed that the travel ban on the Palestinian human rights defender Sha’wan Jabarin has not been lifted. (more)
10 Mar 09 Summit conference on Afghanistan to be held in The Hague
Under the auspices of the United Nations a high-level conference on the future of Afghanistan will be held in The Hague on 31 March. The Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maxime Verhagen, will host the meeting on behalf of the Netherlands. The one-day event will be held at the city’s World Forum Convention Centre. (more)
9 Mar 09 Verhagen: UN representative on violence against children urgently needed
Foreign minister Maxime Verhagen has said that the Netherlands urges the United Nations to act swiftly to appoint a Special Representative on Violence against Children. He was speaking today in The Hague at the opening of the International Conference on Violence against the Girl Child. (more)
4 Mar 09 Minister Verhagen on ICC decision: nobody is above the law
The ICC must be able to take decisions without pressure or interference, Foreign Minister Verhagen said regarding the ICC arrest warrant for Sudanese President Al-Bashir. The international community is bound to respect these decisions. In the end it is to the benefit of all of us, because international justice and lasting peace go hand in hand. (more)
4 Mar 09 Female genital mutilation must be eradicated
‘Awareness raising alone is not enough to eradicate female genital mutilation,’ said development minister Bert Koenders during a visit to a women's organisation in Mali. ‘What we need is a statutory ban that will make communities reach a collective decision no longer to circumcise their daughters.’ (more)
4 Mar 09 UN anti-racism summit must not turn into propaganda circus says Minister Verhagen
The Netherlands will do its utmost to make the UN anti-racism summit a success. But the declaration drawn up for discussion at the summit fails to address the conference objectives and is unacceptable to the Netherlands. (more)
3 Mar 09 Minister Koenders visits successful irrigation project in Mali
On the second day of his three-day visit to Mali, development minister Bert Koenders paid a visit to the Segou region. He talked to farmers who are benefiting from a long-standing irrigation programme supported by the Netherlands. (more)
3 Mar 09 Foreign minister Maxime Verhagen is attending the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva today.
In his address, he warns against politicisation and the forming of blocs within the Council, in the interests of effective and reliable supervision of international human rights instruments. (more)
1 Mar 09 Verhagen: Lebanon Tribunal strengthens international legal order
In response to the official opening of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon in The Hague, Minister of Foreign Affairs Maxime Verhagen said that by hosting the Tribunal the Netherlands is making a tangible contribution to the advancement of the international legal order and helping to combat terrorism and impunity. (more)
25 Feb 09 Canadian Ambassador McNee succeeds Dutch PR Frank Majoor as Chair of Sierra Leone PBC configuration
Following his election, by acclamation, as the Chair of the Peacebuilding Commission’s Sierra Leone configuration this morning, John McNee of Canada applauded Sierra Leone’s continuing transition from conflict to peace and prosperity and outlined the main challenges ahead.
Outgoing Chair Majoor said that the achievements reached were a testament to what could be achieved with national will and determination, with international support. (more)
23 Feb 09 Measures needed to combat violence against girls worldwide
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is hosting an international conference entitled Making Recommendations Work: The Girl Child Conference. On 9 and 10 March policymakers, experts and representatives of civil society organisations will gather in The Hague to discuss the global problem of domestic and family violence against girls. (more)
20 Feb 09 Upholding justice in the interests of sustainable peace. Article by minister Verhagen and minister Stagno Ugarte (Foreign Affairs Costa Rica)
There must not and shall not be impunity for those who commit crimes against humanity, even in parts of the world where lawlessness prevails. This is the thrust of an article by Dutch foreign minister Maxime Verhagen and Costa Rican foreign minister Bruno Stagno Ugarte. (more)
19 Feb 09 UN Supported training aims to boost DR Congo military justice system
Close to 600 armed forces officials in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are slated to undergo a United Nations-backed military justice refresher course beginning this weekend in Kinshasa, capital of the war-ravaged African nation. The project is funded by the Netherlands. (more)
16 Feb 09 Drought insurance for Africa
On 16 February, development minister Bert Koenders visited the Delft-based company EARS, which is developing a system to predict the risk of crop failure throughout Africa. (more)
13 Feb 09 Dutch candidate vies for top UN position
Dutchman Ad Melkert, endorsed by his national government, has put his name forward for the top position at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Dutch ministry of foreign affairs confirmed on Thursday. (more)
12 Feb 09 Verhagen pleased with resumption of exports from Gaza
Today, at the insistence of the Netherlands, Israel has reopened its border with Gaza for the export of flowers for the first time since the ceasefire. With Dutch support, Palestinian farmers are growing flowers and vegetables which are traded through Israeli exporters and ultimately end up on the global market, including the Aalsmeer flower auction. (more)
12 Feb 09 Verhagen calls for constructive approach to Caucasus conflict
The Netherlands is calling on all parties concerned to adopt a constructive approach to talks on peace and stability in the Caucasus. So said Minister of Foreign Affairs Maxime Verhagen in Tbilisi, the capital of Georgia, after his meeting with President Mikheil Saakashvili. ‘It is in no one’s interest for violence to break out again. We have to focus on the future and on overcoming the effects of the war as quickly as possible. (more)
11 Feb 09 Balkenende visits troops in Afghanistan
On 9 and 10 February, Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende and State Secretary for Defence Jack de Vries have been visiting Dutch troops in Afghanistan. 'You are our modern-day heroes,' Mr Balkenende said. (more)
11 Feb 09 New Israeli government should continue peace negotiations
The Netherlands hopes that a coalition will soon be formed so that important issues can be dealt with promptly, the priority being a long-term solution to the crisis in Gaza.’ This was the response of foreign minister Maxime Verhagen to the Israeli parliamentary elections. (more)
10 Feb 09 The Netherlands should help developing countries achieve sustainable development
‘Sustainable development is the watchword of our development cooperation policy, where coherence is needed not only in our national policies but also in our international efforts,’ said development minister Bert Koenders on being presented with the Monitor Duurzaam Nederland 2009 today. (more)
4 Feb 09 The impact of Global Crises on Social Development
'Deep and urgent reform of the global financial architecture is clearly required', according to Minister of State and former Prime Minister of the Netherlands, Mr. Wim Kok, 'because the institutions entrusted with maintaining and managing the global economic order had proved fragile and incapable of predicting the current crisis.' Mr. Kok is in New York for the start of the forty-seventh session of the Commission for Social Development. (more)
30 Jan 09 EU development ministers call for Gaza borders to be opened
‘The damage suffered by a thousand Gazan farmers as a result of the Israeli military operation is estimated at EUR 7 million,’ Dutch development minister Bert Koenders told his EU counterparts at the Informal Development Council in Prague. The farmers in question are part of a Dutch government-funded development programme. (more)
28 Jan 09 You cannot pick and choose the effects of globalisation, says Verhagen
‘The effects of globalisation are not something we can pick and choose. The whole world shares the same interests, advantages and disadvantages,’ remarked Minister of Foreign Affairs Maxime Verhagen at a conference on the effects of globalisation in The Hague. ‘Adverse effects like the credit crisis must be dealt with by the international community collectively.’ (more)
28 Jan 09 Frans Timmermans and Job Cohen launch NY400
The mayors of Amsterdam and New York, Job Cohen and Michael Bloomberg, along with the Dutch European affairs minister Frans Timmermans, have officially launched NY400, the celebrations to mark four hundred years of friendship between the Netherlands and America. (more)
27 Jan 09 Koenders to use private sector to fight economic crisis in developing countries
‘Strategic cooperation between businesses, governments, aid organisations and the broader development community is the only way of getting out of this economic crisis together,’ says minister Koenders. (more)
23 Jan 09 Verhagen congratulates Clinton on appointment
Foreign Minister Maxime Verhagen has written to Hillary Clinton to congratulate her on her appointment as US Secretary of State. (more)
22 Jan 09 Benin anti-corruption strategy a success
‘The way Benin is tackling corruption is an example for other African countries,’ development minister Bert Koenders observed yesterday afternoon after his talks with President Boni Yayi of Benin. (more)
21 Jan 09 Good wishes for President Obama
In a letter sent on behalf of the Dutch government, Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende congratulated President Obama on his inauguration as 44th President of the United States of America. (more)
18 Jan 09 The Netherlands welcomes Gaza ceasefire
The Netherlands has welcomed the announcement of ceasefires by Israel and Hamas in Gaza, and hopes that both parties will refrain from further violence. (more)
15 Jan 09 The Netherlands indignant at strike on UN office in Gaza
The Netherlands has expressed indignation at the Israeli strike on UNWRA headquarters in Gaza, which set warehouses ablaze and claimed several victims. (more)
10 Jan 09 Three million euros in aid for Gaza
The Netherlands is making €3 million available for humanitarian aid to Gaza. The decision was taken by development minister Bert Koenders following the United Nations’ move to resume aid to Gaza. (more)
7 Jan 09 The Netherlands undertakes diplomatic initiative on Israel and Gaza
The Netherlands, backed by Denmark, has undertaken a diplomatic initiative to expedite a ceasefire in Israel and Gaza. The Netherlands and Denmark are proposing a European mission to closely monitor the border between Egypt and Gaza. (more)
5 Jan 09 New addition to Ambassador's Office
Ambassador Majoor gives his perspective - based on his chairmanship of the Third Commission - on the challenges the UN faces in the area of human rights, as well as the areas of peace and security, and development. (more)
19 Dec 08 Foreign Minister Maxime Verhagen calls for end to discrimination based on sexual orientation
On December 18 a statement was read out in the UN General Assembly calling for the eradication of discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. (more)
18 Dec 08 Netherlands Cuts Aid to Nicaragua Over ‘Sabotaged’ Elections
The Dutch government will cut anti- poverty funding for Nicaragua because of concerns that President Daniel Ortega manipulated municipal elections last month to favor his Sandinista party. (more)
18 Dec 08 Dutchman appointed director of Middle East water institute
Ronald Mollinger of the Netherlands has been appointed director of the Middle East Desalination Research Centre (MEDRC) in Oman, which conducts research into desalination for water extraction. (more)
18 Dec 08 Verhagen receives award for human rights policy
Foreign minister Maxime Verhagen was presented the Young Calvinist Party’s Oranje boven award as a token of appreciation and in recognition of his worldwide commitment to human rights, in particular to the right to religious freedom, and his fight against the persecution of Christians. (more)
17 Dec 08 Koenders’ response to tsunami report
Development minister Bert Koenders has welcomed the Court of Audit’s conclusion that the Dutch government and Dutch Interchurch Aid satisfied applicable accounting rules when providing aid following the tsunami. (more)
17 Dec 08 ‘No place for anti-Semitism at UN summit’, says Verhagen
The Netherlands is demanding that the draft text for the Durban Review Conference against racism and discrimination focus not just on discrimination against Muslims but on every form of discrimination on the grounds of race, sex, religion or sexual orientation. Otherwise the Netherlands will withdraw from this UN summit, to be held in April 2009 in Geneva. (more)
16 Dec 08 International organisations and employees more satisfied with the Netherlands
International organisations and their foreign employees are increasingly satisfied with the Netherlands as a host country, according to a study by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. (more)
15 Dec 08 Verhagen in move to decriminalise homosexuality
Foreign minister Maxime Verhagen and French Minister of State for human rights Rama Yade have put a draft declaration calling for the decriminalisation of homosexuality before the United Nations General Assembly. The declaration currently has the support of 61 countries. (more)
13 Dec 08 Extra Dutch contribution for fighting cholera in Zimbabwe
The Netherlands will contribute an additional €2 million to efforts to control the cholera epidemic in Zimbabwe. The decision was taken following an urgent appeal from UNICEF. (more)
12 Dec 08 Koenders suspends budget support to Rwanda
In response to a UN report on the violation of the embargo on supplying arms to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), development minister Bert Koenders has decided to suspend Dutch budget support to Rwanda. (more)
10 Dec 08 ‘Masika proves that human rights are truly universal’
Foreign minister Maxime Verhagen today presented the first Human Rights Defenders Tulip to the Congolese activist Justine Masika Bihamba at a ceremony in the Ridderzaal in The Hague. The minister declared that ‘Masika’s fight against violence against women shows that human rights apply at all times.’ (more)
10 Dec 08 Religion a source of legitimacy for human rights, says Verhagen
Respect for freedom of religion and belief is declining in many parts of the world. That is why we need to safeguard human rights. This is what Minister of Foreign Affairs Maxime Verhagen said at the international inter-religious conference at the Peace Palace in The Hague today. (more)
5 Dec 08 Verhagen signs cluster munitions convention
Foreign minister Maxime Verhagen signed, on behalf of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, an international convention on cluster munitions, which bans their production, stockpiling and use. Long after an armed conflict has ended, countless civilians, especially children, continue to be maimed or killed by the small unexploded bomblets left by cluster weapons. (more)
5 Dec 08 The Netherlands leads rich nations in helping poor
Small European nations led by the Netherlands do more than major industrial economies like the United States when it comes to helping poor countries, according to the 2008 Commitment to Development Index released on Thursday. (more)
2 Dec 08 Minister Koenders takes a tougher stance on HIV/AIDS
’In many countries, the rights of women, young people and sexual minorities are violated. As a result, these groups run an extra risk of HIV infection or unwanted pregnancy,’ writes development minister Bert Koenders in the new policy document on HIV/AIDS, which he submitted to the House of Representatives on the eve of World AIDS Day.more)
2 Dec 08 Business and human rights are natural partners, says Verhagen
This is the first time that the government and business community have got together in this way,’ said Maxime Verhagen, Minister of Foreign Affairs, at the opening of the ‘Business and human rights’ seminar in Wassenaar on 1 December. (more)
2 Dec 08 Koenders calls for more development aid from Gulf States
Development minister Bert Koenders has said that the oil-producing countries of the Arab world could do much more to help solve the problems of poverty and climate change. He was speaking in Doha on the second day of the UN’s Financing for Development Conference. (more)
1 Dec 08 International Conference on Financing for Development
The International Conference on Financing for Development will take place in Doha, Qatar, from 29 November - 2 December 2008. H.E. Mr. Bert Koenders, Minister for Development Cooperation is delegation leader of the Netherlands. (more)
1 Dec 08 Netherlands brings Rwanda and DR Congo closer together in energy partnership
At the end of a two-day visit to Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, development minister Bert Koenders said that economic cooperation between Rwanda and the DR Congo could be a major stepping stone towards peace in eastern Congo. ‘Economic and political integration are key conditions for lasting peace in the Great Lakes Region.’ (more)
1 Dec 08 Koenders supports Princess Máxima’s microcredits report
Development minister Bert Koenders expressed his support after Princess Máxima presented her report on microcredits to the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-Moon. (more)
28 Nov 08 Oproep Annan en Koenders aan vooravond VN-conferentie
‘De ongelijkheid in de wereld mag in tijden van financiële crisis niet nog verder toenemen. Daarom is het van groot belang dat de internationale gemeenschap toezeggingen over meer hulp ook daadwerkelijk nakomt.’ Dat schrijven Kofi Annan en Bert Koenders in een artikel, dat zaterdag verschijnt in het Financieele Dagblad. (more)
28 Nov 08 Verhagen: Don't let crisis lead to protectionism
International cooperation and free trade are both essential to resolving the credit crisis, foreign minister Maxime Verhagen said on Thursday at the Netherlands Fulbright Alumni Association’s annual Thanksgiving Lecture. The Association is made up of Dutch students who have worked or studied in the United States on a Fulbright scholarship. (more)
26 Nov 08 Derde Commissie AVVN onder Nederlands voorzitterschap
Nederland kan terugkijken op een succesvolle 63ste sessie van de Derde Commissie van de AVVN onder voorzitterschap van Frank Majoor, de Nederlandse Permanent Vertegenwoordiger bij de VN. Mede door een wereldwijde Nederlandse lobby zijn de regeringen van Iran, Birma en Noord-Korea veroordeeld voor de slechte mensenrechtensituatie in hun land. (more)
25 Nov 08 Dutch government is taking action for a stronger economy
The Dutch government is taking action to limit the impact of the credit crisis on the Dutch economy, Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende announced after the cabinet meeting on Friday. (more)
25 Nov 08 Campaign to say NO to violence against women
Today, the Deputy Permanent Representative of the Netherlands, Mr. Piet de Klerk made a statement during a press conference hosted by UNIFEM and in the presence of Ms. Nicole Kidman. (more)
25 Nov 08 Koenders visiting eastern Congo and Rwanda
Today development minister Bert Koenders leaves on a working visit to eastern Congo and Rwanda. On Wednesday Mr Koenders will visit Goma, where he will talk to the local authorities, aid workers and MONUC (United Nations Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo) and visit a refugee camp. (more)
24 Nov 08 Dutch Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra voted world's best orchestra
The Dutch Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra based in Amsterdam has been voted the best in the world. It has been picked for the prestigious title above rivals in Berlin, London and Vienna. (more)
20 Nov 08 New ICC building is the 'Peace Palace of the 21st century'
Jozias van Aartsen, the mayor of the Hague - the city in which the International Criminal Court is based, called the new designs of the ICC building the Peace Palace of the 21st century. (more)
17 Nov 08 De Jager satisfied with results of G20 summit
The G20 summit showed that 'we want coordinated action', said State Secretary for Finance Jan Kees de Jager following the meeting. One of the commitments made was to strengthen financial market supervision. (more)
14 Nov 08 The Netherlands supports swift closure of Guantánamo
During the 13 November debate on the foreign ministry budget in the House of Representatives, Minister of Foreign Affairs Maxime Verhagen stated that the Netherlands will actively support the US in shutting down the American detention centre at Guantánamo Bay. (more)
14 Nov 08 2008 Human Rights Defenders Tulip for Congolese women’s rights activist
The first annual Human Rights Defenders Tulip will be awarded to Justine Masika Bihamba from Goma in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Ms Masika runs an organisation devoted to stopping the widespread rape of women in the conflict zone in eastern Congo. (more)
12 Nov 08 Israeli’s and Palestinians meet in the Hague
As the result of a Dutch initiative, 21 young Israeli and Palestinian diplomats met today at the start of a joint training programme at the Netherlands Institute of International Relations Clingendael in The Hague. (more)
12 Nov 08 Culture of Peace: Netherlands' PR makes statement
In the debate on Inter-religious dialogue the Netherlands Permanent Represenative, Frank Majoor, pointed to different ways in which the Netherlands has facilitated and will facilitate interreligious dialogue. He added that the dialogue itself is the responsibility of the believers and the representatives of spiritual and humanist traditions. He stressed that identities are based on many characteristics and that religion or belief is only one of them. (more)
10 Nov 08 UN intensifies efforts to combat violence against women
On the initiative of the Netherlands and Belgium, the Third Committee of the United Nations has unanimously adopted a resolution calling on UN member states to intensify efforts to combat all forms of violence against women and punish the perpetrators. (more)
6 Nov 08 Netherlands to consider contribution to DRC Quick Reaction Force. Minister Koenders to Nairobi Summit
Minister Verhagen does not rule out the deployment of a Quick Reaction Force of the EU to the Democratic Republic of the Congo as support for the UN-peacekeeping force MONUC. Furthermore, Minister Koenders will participate in the Nairobi Summit on the crisis in the eastern part of the DRC, to take place on Friday, 7 November. (more)
5 Nov 08 Prime Minister Balkenende congratulates Obama, Verhagen: 'Obama’s election gives us a new opportunity’.
On behalf of the Dutch government, Prime Minister Jan Peter Balkenende has conveyed his best wishes to Senator Barack Obama on the occasion of his election as President of the United States. Foreign Minister Verhagen is looking forward to working with the new administration. (more)
24 Oct 08 Koenders fine-tunes Africa policy
Development minister Bert Koenders will be investing more resources in the economic development of Africa. He made this pledge in a letter to the House of Representatives, in preparation for its debate on an evaluation of Dutch Africa policy issued by the Policy and Operations Evaluation Department. (more)
21 Oct 08 Dutch cameraman was killed by Russian cluster bomb
Dutch cameraman Stan Storimans, who was killed in the Georgian city of Gori on 12 August 2008, was the victim of a cluster munition. The munition was propelled by a type of rocket that is only found in Russia’s military arsenal. That is the conclusion of the mission that Minister of Foreign Affairs Maxime Verhagen appointed to investigate the circumstances of Mr Storimans’ death. (more)
20 Oct 08 Verhagen calls on Iran to respect human rights
Despite major differences of opinion between the Netherlands and Iran, it is vital to continue a dialogue on respect for human rights.’ Foreign minister Maxime Verhagen made this statement on 17 October after holding talks with Ms Tahereh Nazari, the Director-General for International Women’s Affairs and Human Rights at the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. (more)
17 Oct 08 Koenders supports women’s rights projects
The MDG3 Fund launched by development minister Bert Koenders to improve the position of women worldwide will support 45 projects aimed at reducing violence against women and increasing women’s economic independence and participation in parliaments and political bodies. (more)
13 Oct 08 Dutch University Partner to reach Development Goals
The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has joined forces with a Dutch university to promote education and research in developing countries to build momentum towards reaching the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), eight ambitious anti-poverty targets with a 2015 deadline. (more)
1 Oct 08 Dutch Minister Koenders co-chairs panel on Inclusive Financial sectors with Princess Maxima as one of the panelists
On 22 September 2008, Minister Koenders for Development Cooperation and HRH Princess Máxima of the Netherlands participated in a side event on Inclusive Financial Sectors. (more)
30 Sep 08 Koenders: too many women in developing countries die in childbirth
Development minister Bert Koenders pledged extra support to reduce maternal mortality in developing countries while speaking at the Millennium Development Goals summit in New York on 26 September. (more)
29 Sep 08 The Netherlands pledges extra support for the prosecution of Sierra Leonean war criminals
The Netherlands will be making an extra 4.5 million euros available to the Special Court for Sierra Leone. This was announced yesterday by Minister of Foreign Affairs Maxime Verhagen, who is attending the General Assembly of the United Nations in New York. (more)
25 Sep 08 Leaders reiterate their support for the Responsibility to Protect at UNGA side event
Several foreign ministers reiterated their strong support for the principle of the Responsibility to Protect during a side event on Thursday 25 September hosted by Dutch foreign minister Maxime Verhagen. (more)
25 Sep 08 Dutch Prime Minister makes a plea for multilateralism and stronger transatlantic ties
Dutch Prime Minister Balkenende stressed the nearly 400 year involvement of the Dutch with New York at a dinner speech at the Foreign Policy Association. (more)
25 Sep 08 Partnership Event "Water and Sanitation for All"
On 24 September 2008, the governments of Germany, Japan, the Netherlands and Tajikistan organized a Partnership event on "Water and Sanitation for All". (more)
24 Sep 08 Climate Change and Development
On Wednesday 24 September 2008 Minister for Development Cooperation, Bert Koenders, co-hosted a Ministerial breakfast meeting on 'Climate Change and Development: Progress on Finance for Adaptation". (more)
24 Sep 08 Verhagen en Koenders online
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maxime Verhagen, can be followed through the events of this week on his personal (Dutch) blog. So can Minister of Development, Bert Koenders, in his (also Dutch) column. (more)
21 Sep 08 Prime Minister Balkenende and Ministers Verhagen, Koenders and Timmermans in New York
From 21 to 27 September, the UN General Assembly is meeting in New York for its 63rd session. Prime Minister Jan-Peter Balkenende, foreign minister Maxime Verhagen, development minister Bert Koenders and European affairs minister Frans Timmermans are attending, each with a separate programme. (more)
16 Sep 08 Speech from the Throne 2008
On 16 September Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands delivered the annual Speech of the Throne and accepted the proposed budget for 2009. (more)
12 Sep 08 Netherlands ratifies Treaty of Lisbon
On 11 September 2008 the Netherlands deposited its ratification of the Lisbon Treaty at the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Rome. (more)
11 Sep 08 The Netherlands will seek role in EU mission in Georgia
Minister of Foreign Affairs Maxime Verhagen told the Dutch House of Representatives yesterday that the Netherlands would seek a role in the monitoring mission the EU intends to send to Georgia to maintain stability in the conflict regions. (more)
4 Sep 08 Dutch Human Rights Ambassador to Sudan
A Dutch Human Rights Ambassador will visit the Sudan in October 2008. (more)
3 Sep 08 EU united on approach to crisis in Georgia
EU leaders announced yesterday their unanimous opposition to Russia’s recognition of the two break-away regions in Georgia, and called for the six-point plan to be implemented in full in order to resolve the conflict in Georgia. (more)
28 Aug 08 The Netherlands provides adviser to EU mission in Georgia
The Dutch government is contributing a political adviser to the team of EU Special Representative for the Southern Caucasus, Peter Semneby. The Dutch adviser will stay in Georgia until the end of October 2008 to advise on security, human rights and humanitarian affairs. (more)
26 Aug 08 Netherlands wants Human Rights Commissioner to remain independent
The High Commissioner for Human Rights must be able to carry out her work with complete independence. Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs, Maxime Verhagen, said this yesterday at an introductory meeting with Navanethem Pillay, whom the UN will appoint to this post on 1 September. (more)
22 Aug 08 Additional Dutch aid for victims of war in Georgia
Dutch Development Minister Koender is deeply concerned about the fact that humanitarian access to internally displaced persons in Georgia is being obstructed by insecurity, looting and military presence. (more)
21 Aug 08 UN visits future office in Uruzgan
On Wednesday 20 August the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) visited the site of its future office in Tarin Kowt, which is currently under construction. (more)
18 Aug 08 Dutch Expertise deployable all over the world
An innovative mobile laboratory developed by the Netherlands to support United Nations Environmental Emergency Response was officially inaugurated by the Dutch Ministers of Environment and Development Cooperation in The Hague. (more)
12 Aug 08 Government deplores death of Dutch cameraman
The Dutch government was shocked to learn of the death of Dutch cameraman Stan Storimans in Georgia. (more)
4 Aug 08 Development minister Koenders at AIDS conference in Mexico
Dutch development minister Bert Koenders is taking part this week in the international AIDS conference 'Universal Action Now!' in Mexico. (more)
31 Jul 08 Additional emergency aid for impending famine in the Horn of Africa
Dutch development minister Bert Koenders is setting aside extra funds for emergency aid for three countries in the Horn of Africa to deal with the rapidly worsening humanitarian situation there. (more)
31 Jul 08 Uruzgan mission enters new phase
Today marks the start of a new phase for the Dutch mission in Uruzgan province. There, Dutch service personnel and diplomats are working with the Afghans to improve the security and development of the province. (more)
30 Jul 08 Foreign Minister Verhagen very pleased with transfer Karadžic
Radovan Karadžic has been transferred to UN war crimes tribunal in The Hague. Read what Dutch foreign minister Verhagen said upon the arrival of the former Bosnian Serb leader. (more)
25 Jul 08 Foreign Minister Verhagen pleased with new High Commissioner for Human Rights
Dutch Foreign Minister Verhagen is pleased with the appointment of Navanethem Pillay as the new United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. (more)
23 Jul 08 Dutch seeds for Gaza
Israel has opened the border with Gaza to imports of Dutch seeds for Palestinian flower growers. (more)
22 Jul 08 Dutch government: Karadzic’s arrest of incalculable importance
The Dutch government is delighted with the arrest of Radovan Karadzic. At long last, Karadzic will be held accountable in a court of law. (more)
18 Jul 08 Frigate returns after anti-piracy mission
Today, the frigate Hr.Ms. Evertsen from the Royal Netherlands Navy returned to her home base in Den Helder after completing its mission escorting ships loaded with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) food since April. The ship protected food ships of WFP against piracy along the coast of Somalia. (more)
15 Jul 08 The Netherlands fully behind International Criminal Court
‘The Dutch government is fully behind the International Criminal Court.’ This was foreign minister Maxime Verhagen’s response after the ICC’s Prosecutor charged Sudanese President Omar Hassan Al Bashir with genocide and crimes against humanity in Sudan’s Darfur region. (more)
14 Jul 08 Top World Bank Group in Amsterdam
On invitation of Dutch development minister Koenders, international development experts gathered this weekend in Amsterdam to discuss with the top of the World Bank Group the role of the Word Bank in a changing world. (more)
10 Jul 08 Development Minister Koenders to be handed torch for women’s right
This coming Friday, Dutch Development Minister Koenders will receive a gender torch from his Danish colleague Ulla Tornaes. The hand over of the torch symbolises support for the struggle of women in developing countries for equal rights. (more)
3 Jul 08 Tenth anniversary celebration of the Statute of Rome
The tenth anniversary of the Statute of Rome was celebrated at the Peace Palace in The Hague on 3 July. (more)
2 Jul 08 UNAMA reaches out with new office in Uruzgan
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) announced plans to open a new office in Tarin Kowt, the provincial capital of Uruzgan in southern Afghanistan. Dutch ministers welcome the decision. (more)
1 Jul 08 New website officially opened!
On 1 July 2008, Her Royal Highness Princess Máxima of the Netherlands officially opened our new website! (more)
28 Jun 08 The Netherlands will not recognise result of Zimbabwean election, says Foreign Minister Verhagen
By using violence against the opposition and the population at large, Robert Mugabe has forfeited the moral right to govern the people of Zimbabwe or to represent them outside the country. This was the response of Dutch foreign minister Maxime Verhagen to the news that Mr Mugabe has claimed victory in the presidential election held on Friday 27 June. (more)
27 Jun 08 The Netherlands opens embassy in Kosovo
The Cabinet has decided that the Netherlands will open an embassy in Pristina following Dutch recognition of Kosovo’s independence on 4 March. (more)
27 Jun 08 EU calls for postponement of Zimbabwean elections
In an official statement yesterday, the Slovenian EU Presidency called for the second round of presidential elections in Zimbabwe to be postponed. (more)
26 Jun 08 World Press Exhibition Opens at UN Headquarters
The World Press Photo Exhibition 2008, sponsored by the Netherlands Permanent Mission, opened on June 26. The exhibition, with Tim Hetherington's prize winning picture of a soldier in Afghanistan will be on display until July 17. (more)
25 Jun 08 Ceremony for ratification treaty protecting UN humanitarian personnel
At a ceremony at UN Headquarters in New York, Staff Union President Stephen Kisambira and UN Legal Counsel Nicolas Michel presented a certificate to diplomats from the 14 countries, including the Netherlands, that have ratified the Optional Protocol to the 1994 Convention on the Safety of UN and Associated Personnel. (more)
24 Jun 08 Tsvangirai at Dutch embassy in Harare
Zimbabwian opposition leader Tsvangirai has been staying at the Dutch embassy in Harrare since Sunday. He requested the Netherlands to offer him with accomodation due to concerns about his safety. (more)
24 Jun 08 Development Minister Koenders and Defense Minister Van Middelkoop to visit Burundi
Dutch Development Minister Koenders will pay a visit to Burundi this week. On thursday, he and Dutch Defense Minister Van Middelkoop will speak with Burundese ministers and the UN-representative to Burundi Mahmoud about security sector reform. Thursday a declaration of intent will be signed to extend cooperation. (more)
23 Jun 08 Violence has made elections in Zimbabwe impossible
The campaign of violence and intimidation in Zimbabwe has made a free and fair presidential election impossible. This is what the Dutch government said in its comments on the situation in that country. (more)
20 Jun 08 The Netherlands to work with World Bank and United Kingdom on tough new anti-corruption policy
The Netherlands is to sign a cooperation agreement with the World Bank and the British Department for International Development (DFID) aimed at tackling corruption and promoting good governance in developing countries. (more)
19 Jun 08 Deputy Permanent Representative Piet de Klerk addresses the issue of Women, Peace and Security
The Security Council, on June 19th, devoted a debate to Women and Peace and Security. Deputy Permanent Representative Piet de Klerk intervened on behalf of the Netherlands. The session, chaired by US Secretary of State Rice, ended with the unanimous adoption of a resolution. (more)
16 Jun 08 Development Minister Koenders distributes the first MDG Award
On Sunday, Dutch Development Minister Koenders presented the Dutch band Bløf with the first official Millennium Development Goals Award. He gave the award during Festival Mundial in Tilburg, the Netherlands. The prize is meant for international artists working to address the needs of the worlds poorest. (more)
16 Jun 08 Turbulent weekend in Chad
Yesterday, in cooperation with Irish colleagues, Dutch marines evacuated 235 employees of aid organizations from Goz Beida. About a hundred heavily weaponed rebels had penetrated this city in eastern Chad, and begun plundering. (more)
16 Jun 08 Côte d’Ivoire: UN environment agency launches plan on toxic waste
A new project, funded by the Netherlands, Sweden and Denmark, to help the Government of Côte d’Ivoire and others in the region manage hazardous waste was launched today by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). (more)
16 Jun 08 Campaign of intimidation and violence in Zimbabwe must stop
Dutch Foreign Minister Verhagen is deeply concerned about the campaign of intimidation and violence against NGOs and the political opposition in Zimbabwe in the run up to the second round of the presidential elections. (more)
13 Jun 08 Wide support for Afghan reconstruction
The Dutch government is pleased that the international community has reaffirmed its support for the reconstruction of Afghanistan. (more)
13 Jun 08 UN food agency appeals for naval escorts for shipments to Somalia
The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) appealed to naval powers to help protect its food-delivery ships from pirate attacks, saying that as many as two million Somalis could go hungry without this protection. (more)
12 Jun 08 New projects to boost food security in Uruzgan
At the beginning of June, the deputy governor of Uruzgan, Khodai Rahim, launched a development programme in Tarin Kowt, which aims to improve food security in Uruzgan. (more)
12 Jun 08 Foreign Minister Verhagen joins schoolchildren in campaign against child labour
On 12 June, the UN's World Day Against Child Labour, foreign minister Maxime Verhagen joined a group of schoolchildren to officially launch three initiatives at the Grote Kerk in The Hague designed to raise awareness of the campaign against child labour. (more)
9 Jun 08 House of Representatives approves Treaty of Lisbon
On Thursday 5 June, the House of Representatives of the Netherlands passed the bill approving for the Treaty of Lisbon. Speaking for the government, Dutch Minister for European Affairs Frans Timmermans said that he was delighted. (more)
6 Jun 08 Dutch NGO’s receive ECOSOC status
The NGO committee of ECOSOC granted consultative status to two Dutch NGO’s on June 6, namely Vluchtenlingenwerk Nederland and COC Nederland. In the case of the latter NGO a vote was taken which received 7 votes in favour, 6 against, and 5 abstentions. (more)
6 Jun 08 Defence Minister Van Middelkoop to go to Africa
Dutch Defence minister Eimert van Middelkoop will be in Africa from 21 to 27 June. He will visit four countries there. (more)
5 Jun 08 UN announces increased funding for food crisis at Rome summit
Delegates to the United Nations food security summit in Rome, including the Netherlands, announced major funding increases to tackle hunger and long-term agricultural development. (more)
4 Jun 08 Ambassador Frank Majoor chairman of the Third Committee
The Dutch Permanent Representative, Ambassador Frank Majoor, has been appointed the position of chairman of the Third Committee of the 63rd General Assembly of the UN. (more)
3 Jun 08 Foreign Minister Verhagen expresses shock over bomb attack on Danish embassy
Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs Maxime Verhagen has condemned the bomb attack on the Danish embassy in Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan. The Dutch ambassador's residence, which is in the same neighbourhood, was slightly damaged. Embassy personnel were unhurt. (more)
3 Jun 08 Development Minister Koenders gave starting shot for charity walk ´Walk the World´
On Sunday 1 June, Dutch Minister Koenders opened the worldwide charity walk Walk the World in Rotterdam. Walk the World is a worldwide charity walk which aims to raise awareness of child hunger and to collect money for the UN World Food Programme’s School Feeding Programme. From Indonesia to Guatemala, thousands of children, together with caring citizens, took to the streets. (more)
29 May 08 Honouring 60 years of United Nations Peacekeeping
This month, it is exactly 60 years ago that the first UN Peacekeeping Operation was established. (more)
28 May 08 Candidature Dutch PR endorsed
At a meeting of the Western European and Other States Group the candidature of the Dutch Permanent Representative, Ambassador Frank Majoor, for the chairmanship of the Third Committee of the 63rd General Assembly (Human Rights) was endorsed. The session of the Third Committee will start in October. (more)
27 May 08 Development Minister Koenders cautiously optimistic following Rangoon donor conference
Dutch Minister for Development Cooperation Bert Koenders is cautiously optimistic about the outcome of the donor conference that was held in Rangoon on Sunday for the victims of Cyclone Nargis. ‘Thanks to concerted political pressure, the door has been opened a little further,’ said Mr Koenders. ‘That was a necessary step, but the real test is how many people can be reached in time.’ (more)
27 May 08 EU seeks action against child labour
The European foreign ministers are to examine whether it is possible to deny market access to products made with the worst forms of child labour. On the initiative of Dutch foreign minister Maxime Verhagen, they will ask the European Commission to study the scope for action. Two hundred million children worldwide go to work every day, frequently under very poor conditions. (more)
23 May 08 Extra funds to buy tents in China
The Dutch government has reserved €500,000 to buy and transport tents for victims of the earthquake in China. Development minister Bert Koenders decided to provide this additional funding in response to a special request by the Chinese government. (more)
23 May 08 Development Minister Koenders makes international appeal for effective development cooperation
Dutch Minister for Development Cooperation Bert Koenders went to Paris on Tuesday to attend the ministerial meeting of the Development Assistance Committee of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD/DAC) (more)
23 May 08 Interest in MDG3 Fund exceeds expectations
Interest in the MDG3 Fund set up by development minister Bert Koenders to improve the position of women worldwide has exceeded all expectations. (more)
23 May 08 His Royal Highness the Prince of Orange addresses Ministerial round-table discussion of the CSD-16
22 May 08 Dutch Parliament supports civilian mission to Kosovo
In a meeting with parliamentary committee members, foreign minister Maxime Verhagen and the Ministers of Defence and the Interior were assured that the House of Representatives supports a Dutch contribution to a civilian mission to Kosovo. (more)
22 May 08 Foreign Minister Verhagen puts pressure on Burma in Security Council
In a statement to the UN Security Council in New York today, Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs Maxime Verhagen said that the Burmese regime has an obligation to offer assistance to the hundreds of thousands of people affected by cyclone Nargis. Failure to do so and allowing a humanitarian crisis to develop constitutes a crime against humanity. (more)
21 May 08 Former Rwandan official transferred back to UN war crimes tribunal
A former senior Rwandan official who stands accused of involvement in the 1994 genocide has been transferred from The Hague back to Arusha, Tanzania – where the United Nations war crimes tribunal to deal with the mass killings is based – after the Netherlands ruled that it did not have jurisdiction in trying his case. (more)
21 May 08 Foreign Minister Verhagen asks UN for clarity about Herfkens
During his working visit to New York, Dutch foreign minister Maxime Verhagen met Kemal Dervis, head of the UN Development Programme (UNDP), to discuss the housing allowance that the Netherlands paid to Eveline Herfkens while she was working for that organisation. (more)
20 May 08 Post-Conflict Peacebuilding: H.E. Mr. Maxime Verhagen, Minister for Foreign Affairs addresses the Security Council
16 May 08 Minister of Agriculture Verburg elected as President of UN-Commission on Sustainable Development
During the 16th Session of the Commission on Sustainable Development (CSD), H.E. Ms Verburg, Minister of Agriculture, Nature and Food Quality of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, was elected President of the 2009 CSD, which will be held in New York from 4-15 May, 2009. (more)
15 May 08 Development Minister Koenders urges EU to increase pressure on Burma and China
Dutch development cooperation minister Bert Koenders has urged the EU to intensify pressure on China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to compel Burma to immediately open its doors to humanitarian aid workers. A similar call was included in the declaration that the EU's development ministers adopted on Tuesday afternoon. (more)
15 May 08 Foreign Minister Verhagen expresses sympathy following Chinese earthquake
Dutch foreign minister Maxime Verhagen has offered his condolences to China and the families of the victims of the recent earthquake in Sichuan province. (more)
15 May 08 Burma: Foreign Minister Verhagen appeals to conscience of UN Security Council
If necessary, the international community must force the Burmese regime to allow more aid and emergency workers into the country. Human suffering must take priority over politics. These were Dutch foreign minister Maxime Verhagen's comments in response to the alarming humanitarian situation in Burma. (more)
14 May 08 Foreign Minister Verhagen positive about results of Serbian election
'Serbia has made a clear choice for a future in Europe. That's a positive sign,' said Minister of Foreign Affairs Maxime Verhagen in response to last Sunday's parliamentary elections in Serbia. (more)
7 May 08 Netherlands to help cyclone victims in Burma
Development minister Bert Koenders has made EUR1 million available to help the victims of Cyclone Nargis in Burma. However, until it is known which relief organisations are being allowed into the disaster area, no decision can be made on where the money will go. Mr Koenders hopes that the Burmese government will allow aid from abroad into the country as soon as possible. (more)
6 May 08 The Netherlands pledges extra funding for human rights
Over the next two years the Netherlands will be investing an extra 7.5 million euros in promoting human rights. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs' human rights fund, from which it supports human rights defenders and related projects, will gradually be raised, from 22.5 million euros this year to 25 million in 2009 and, ultimately, 27.5 million in 2010. (more)
29 Apr 08 The Netherlands Signs Human Rights Treaty
Dutch Ambassador Frank Majoor signed today, on behalf of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance. (more)
29 Apr 08 Dutch international law professor chosen in Human Rights Committee
Professor of international law at Leiden, Nico Schrijver, was elected by acclamation by ECOSOC today as a member of the Committee on Economic, Socal and Cultural Rights. (more)
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