Watchdog warns protest rights, civic groups face government pressure

Civil society space in the Netherlands is shrinking as government measures risk curbing fundamental rights, the Dutch Institute for Human Rights said Monday in its annual report. The report cited several signals, including government proposals that could restrict the right to demonstrate.

Research by the Verwey Jonker Institute showed that 86 percent of surveyed organizations believe conditions for civil society have worsened in the past two years. The human rights body said this trend resembles developments in other countries where the rule of law has weakened. “Ultimately, shrinking space for civil society affects everyone in the Netherlands,” the report stated.

Despite the pressures, civic participation remains strong. Demonstrations have increased in recent years, and more volunteers stepped forward when honors for refugee aid workers were nearly withheld. In 2024 and 2025, more than 1,000 religious leaders — including imams, priests, rabbis, and pastors — signed a joint appeal against asylum policy proposals.

According to the research, conditions are still generally regarded as good, but the institute stressed that the cumulative effect of government proposals and rhetoric creates a potential threat. It urged the government and the Tweede Kamer to act to protect the legitimacy and independence of civil society.