Human rights and democratisation as the foundations for development
Balanced, fair and sustainable development is only possible if all groups of a country’s society have their say in decision-making processes. Crucial elements in that respect are the existence of democratic structures and a varied society in which human rights are respected. In that way, human rights are the foundation of development.
Hivos supports social organisations, human rights campaigners and social movements in the broadest sense. Each of them champions the groups in society that are most subject to discrimination and exclusion.
Firstly, Hivos supports organisations that fight to gain and improve fundamental political rights, such as the freedoms of expression, representation, association and meeting, as well as active and passive voting rights.
Secondly, Hivos supports organisations that expand and improve the rights of poorer and marginalised groups, for example sexual minorities, indigenous peoples, casteless people (dalits) and human rights campaigners. One of the primary objectives in Hivos’ policy is to improve the rights of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community.
Thirdly, Hivos supports organisations that denounce factors underlying human rights violations, such as corruption, immunity to punishment and lack of awareness of human rights.
Hivos offers support by providing direct financial aid to human rights organisations, by promoting exchanges of experiences between those organisations, by advocating for human rights and by increasing the capacity of partner organisations. Hivos’ operations also include education and PR in the Netherlands about the activities of partner organisations working for democratisation and human rights.
MYHIVOS LOGIN
