I provide advice on lobbying strategies and tactics, arrange lobby visits for HRDs (travel arrangements, accommodation, setting up appointments, accompaniment), and carry out lobbying on behalf of HRDs and NGOs.

For example, in cooperation with the Dutch Government, I've arranged programmes in The Netherlands, Geneva and Brussels for the winners of the Human Rights Defenders Tulip such as for Shadi Sadr in 2009.  Interviews with the press, discussions with groups of local NGOs, meetings at the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a hearing at the European Parliament, visits to Permanent Representations of EU member states in Brussels, meetings with bodies of the Council of the European Union like the Political and Security Council, meetings with staff of United Nations Special Rapporteurs and of both EU and non-EU countries' Permanent Representations to the UN in Geneva all featured on the agenda.

My personal experience, lobbying on behalf of NGOs, is extensive, in Brussels, European capitals (The Hague in particular), and at the local level in countries like Israel, the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.  Through presentations, face-to-face meetings, telephone and e-mail, my work has "targeted" bodies of the Council like the Maghreb/Mashreq working party, staff of the European Commission, the Council Secretariat, EU member states Permanent Representations to the EU, and EU missions in specific countries.  I've lobbied on an ad hoc basis and in advance of specific events such as meetings between the EU and third countries.  My experience is mainly in the promotion and protection of the rights of human rights defenders, lobbying for fair trials, an end to administrative detention, and on violations of freedom of peaceful assembly, association and movement.  I've consulted and collaborated extensively with other NGOs and with local human rights defenders on the ground.  I've done research in the field and wrote reports describing my findings, drawing conclusions, and making recommendations.  

  

 

 

Registered under number  27338831 at the Chamber of Commerce in The Hague