government
Governments have the power and resources really to tackle poverty and injustice. Where possible we co-operate. Where needed we question their policies.
in the Netherlands
We co-ordinate our work with the government as much as possible. Government aid mainly goes to the governments of poor countries, whilst we are supporting private organizations. We co-operate closely with Dutch embassies abroad. Every year we receive a subsidy from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In 2009 this amounted to more than 129 million euro.
We co-operate, but remain critical. As such we demand that the poorest people do not pay the price of cutbacks. Successfully. In 2009 minister Koenders in part reversed cutbacks in education. We are also asking our government – and institutions like the European Union and the World Trade Organisation – for fair trade regulations. They can secure the incomes of millions of small producers in poor countries. in developing countries
Governments, in developing countries too, have their own responsibilities. They must set up good governance, protect citizens and ensure education, healthcare, agriculture and employment.
We help our partners to exert pressure on their own governments. As such, our Philippine partner Tambuyog has managed to get a ban on fishing enacted: big trawlers are no longer allowed to fish in areas where small fishermen make a living.
