By NHRI mandate
By topic
Enabling environment for HRDs & CSOs
Environmental HRDs
Freedom of assembly and association
Freedom of expression
Freedom of the media
Funding of CSOs
Non-government controlled territories
Prohibition of discrimination
Protection of HRDs
Right to a fair trial
Right to an effective remedy
Right to privacy
Right to respect for private and family life
Sustainable Development Goals
Whistleblowers
Women HRDs
By country
The 2025 edition of the Annual Report on Human Rights in the Netherlands by the Netherlands Institute for Human Rights delves into the state of civic space in the country. The research was carried out on the basis of the monitoring methodology developed by one of the NHRIs in Belgium – the Federal Institute for the Protection and Promotion of Human Rights.
The report, published in September 2025, represents the institution’s first publication with a specific focus on shrinking civic space. It features recommendations to the government, including recognising the legitimacy of civil society in vibrant democracies; fostering opportunities for participation in law- and policy-making processes; allowing for an enabling environment and monitoring changes in civic space openness.
The preliminary findings, presented during the 2025 NHRI Academy, revealed that a consistent majority of Dutch civil society organisations are experiencing a deterioration of civic space, with half of them reporting it for their own organisation.
Additional analysis highlighted further worrying trends. These included increased restrictions on freedom of assembly and the stigmatisation of human rights defenders – particularly those working on migration and climate issues – and diminished consultation in legislative processes.
The report also raises concerns over new surveillance practices, government-led efforts to limit demonstrations, and proposed laws that risk undermining civil society’s participation and independence.