Netherlands Helsinki Committee (NHC)

The Netherlands Helsinki Committee is a non-governmental organisation that inspires, engages and supports local activists & civil servants in building just, rights-respecting societies in wider Europe.

Established 35 years ago, we represented Dutch civil society in the Helsinki Movement, bringing together human rights organisations based in Eastern and Western Europe. Ever since, we have helped building bridges between public institutions, international organisations, practitioners, and civil society. We take a holistic approach in strengthening the rule of law, safeguarding human rights, and building the capacity of civil society.

At the core of what the NHC stands for, and in the spirit of the Helsinki Movement, is the belief that real security and therefore sustainable, lasting peace can only be achieved by building democratic, free and rights-respecting societies – now more relevant than ever.