NHC signs Common Appeal “The Europe we want: Just, Sustainable, Democratic and Inclusive”, a call for unity and solidarity.

The Netherlands Helsinki Committee has signed the Common Appeal, “The Europe we want: Just, Sustainable, Democratic and Inclusive”, penned by European Civil Society Organisations and Trade Unions (see below for full list of co-signatories). It is addressed to the leaders of Europe to seize the opportunity to show leadership, vision, and courage for a sustainable future that realizes the rights of all people. European values are at the core of the appeal, highlighting that strength and confidence can drive Europe towards a united common future. These values honor democracy and participation, equality and social justice, solidarity and sustainability, and respect for human rights and rule of law.

This appeal marks the 60th anniversary of the Treaty of Rome which, in 1957, established the European Economic Community to unite nations in building a peaceful, common future after the Second World War. In the current era where trust in public institutions is declining, this appeal is meant to remind leaders that European values belong in the heart of Europe.

The appeal touches upon themes of social, economic, and environmental issues as well as well-being. With regards to these themes, it calls upon leaders to take responsibility and execute:

• The delivery of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
• The full implementation of the Paris Agreement.
• Strengthening of education to promote participatory democracy and critical thinking.
• A green and socially just economy and reversal of the wealth gap and social exclusion.

With these important issues addressed, solidarity will be the driving mechanism that brings everyone together, as no one nation or one group of people can achieve a just, sustainable, democratic, and inclusive Europe alone. The appeal honors the progress that the EU has made in becoming the current largest and most successful peace initiative. Moreover, this appeal recognizes what still needs to be done to fully achieve the promises made earlier by the EU. The NHC is honored to support the appeal and its pursuit for a just, sustainable, democratic and inclusive Europe.
The Common Appeal was co-signed by 237 institutional bodies and organisations including: Climate Action Network Europe, CARE International, Eurochild, European Partnership for Democracy, Oxfam International, Terre des Hommes, Women for Water Partnership, and World Vision.

To read the Common Appeal with the complete list of co-signers, click here.