Speech by Minister Veldkamp at the Human Rights Tulip award ceremony 2024

Speech | 12-12-2024

Good afternoon, everyone.

Over the course of just a few weeks, we have witnessed the power of civil movements across the world. The power of people marching and protesting against repression, and standing up for their rights. The power of their stories breaking the iron grip of oppression and finding their way to our hearts.

In Georgia, where thousands took to the streets to demand a democratic future.

In the Republic of Korea, where people demanded respect for their constitution.

And in Syria, where an entire society is celebrating a liberation from uncompromising repressive authoritarian rule. And where we hope – with caution – for a better future. A political transition with respect for all, and all groups in society.

These people are the backbone of broader societal movements, a backstop against the erosion of our rights, and the backdraft feeding the fire of progress.

And today, we honour the extraordinary determination of human rights defenders. The determination of the finalists of the Human Rights Tulip Award. Look at our finalists, and give them a great round of applause!

I’d also like to welcome the Dutch high school students who are here with us today!  Your inspiring videos help uphold a Dutch tradition of firm commitment to universal human rights. One passed down from generation to generation. A tradition driven not by whim, but by people. And not tied to any political party, but rooted in our Dutch traditions and culture.

Established in the 1970s by Norbert Schmelzer, a member of the centre-right Christian Democratic Party, championed by Max van der Stoel, a member of the Labour Party, developed by Chris van der Klaauw, a member of the centre-right Liberal Party, and promoted and advanced by top diplomats like Renée Jones-Bos.

So people from across the political spectrum. They celebrated that and they pushed forward. That commitment to human rights has been upheld ever since those decades.

This summer, for example, the Dutch embassy in Caracas provided shelter to the Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo González, who sought refuge from violence, repression and arrest. And this was not a one-off case, but part of our longstanding involvement in Venezuela.

For many years now, the Netherlands has offered refuge to human rights defenders around the world.

In Greece, for example, where I served when I was a diplomat, and learned that the official Dutch residence had been used to shelter people supporting democracy and human rights between 1967 and 1974.

In Chile, where union leaders and members of the Allende government sought refuge in 1973.

And in Zimbabwe, where our embassy protected the opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai in 2008.

Offering refuge is just small part of the Netherlands’ commitment to human rights. A commitment that must endure. Because human rights are under threat and must be defended.

Civil rights have been in decline for 18 consecutive years now, and nearly 80 per cent of the world’s population lives in countries where freedoms are restricted.

But even if the pushback is enormous, this is no excuse to compromise on human rights. There is never an excuse to compromise.

Human rights are central to our foreign policy and enshrined in our constitution. They are crucial for our security, prosperity and way of life. And they are universal.

Human rights may be embraced in different ways, expressed in different words, and discussed in varying tones, but in the end, the message remains the same. These rights remain rooted in the same universal values.

This Dutch government will continue the tradition we are all proud of. Because human rights can only be preserved if we stand up for them.

The Human Rights Tulip I am presenting today is part of this tradition. It has been awarded by various ministers over the years,

each expressing themselves in their own words, but all conveying the same message.

One that I will repeat today. That the work you do and the enormous sacrifices you make are invaluable.

Esteemed finalists,

You are vital allies of the international legal order. Without your tireless work, our efforts to promote human rights would be in vain.

And know that we will do everything in our power to support you,

so you can continue your important work, so you can continue to give hope to people who cannot exercise their fundamental rights, and so we can protect human rights together.

Governments can learn so much from you. No matter how harsh or ruthless some regimes may be, you tell stories that inspire people, stories that unite people.

Indeed, in a world that seems to be drifting apart, you know how to bring people together. Together, you stand strong.

And let me say to the today’s nominees – Stella Maris Martínez, Wilker Dias, Vasile Micleușanu, The Community Peacemaker Teams, and Blert Morina. The Dutch government is proud to stand with you, as a partner.

Because of you, human rights will win out. Because of you, people will win out. That makes you all winners. Unfortunately, I can only award the Human Rights Tulip to one of you.

Today, I present this tulip to a winner that has the power to draw global attention to repression and human rights violations.

A winner that has empowered so many people, by teaching them how to resolve conflicts and reconcile, and by providing an alternative narrative the world needs.

And I am proud to present the Human Rights Tulip to the Community Peacemaker Teams!