Raise The Ambition For Inclusive Humanitarian Aid

With the launch of the Dutch Feminist Foreign Policy 2022, the government introduced four principles for all new policies: rights, representation, resources and reality check. However, these principles are insufficiently reflected in the recent Dutch policy letter regarding humanitarian aid. Dutch Coalition on Disability and Development (DCDD) , WO=MEN, Dutch Gender Platform , Rutgers, expertisecentrum seksualiteit , Save the Children International , SeeYou , SOFT Tulip, and War Child Nederland call on the government to take more action to align humanitarian aid policies with the four feminist principles. Our joint letter provides recommendations for how to do so.

Research has shown that (older) women, girls, LGBTQI+ people, and people with disabilities face unique challenges and vulnerabilities during emergencies. Unfortunately, their specific needs have often been overlooked or underprioritized. Our response highlights the existing gaps in providing adequate help to marginalised groups during crisis situations and calls for a proactive focus on inclusiveness and emphasises the importance of empowerment, protection, and access to essential services for these groups.?

We call on the government to take its responsibility and to raise the ambition, in line with previous agreements and policy priorities, the Feminist Foreign Policy, and in accordance with the recommendations of the IOB evaluations of Dutch humanitarian aid policy 2015-2021 (2022) and gender mainstreaming (2021). Set a global example and invest in a people-centred humanitarian system in which all people in emergency situations - including (older) women, girls, (including) LGBTQI+ people and people with disabilities - are adequately provided with protection and assistance.

Read our full response to the Dutch ‘Humanitarian Aid and Diplomacy 2023’ here: https://tinyurl.com/2dunjch6?