Largest Peace Organizations in the Netherlands

NL

Directory Peace Organizations

UNESCO

UNESCO in the Netherlands

Every country that is a member of UNESCO is required to establish a national UNESCO Commission. The Dutch Commission was established in 1947. Its members are experts in the four areas of the organization: Education, Science, Culture and Communication & Information. An office supports the Commission.

There are almost two hundred such Commissions worldwide. This network of experts that is permanently connected to the organization is unique within the family of UN organizations. UNESCO thus underlines the necessary input of civil society to achieve its objectives. The Dutch Commission receives its funding from the national government (Ministry of Education, Culture and Science), but the Commission members, the experts they work with and the supporting agency operate independently.
> unesco.nl

Kathleen Ferrier
Chairperson UNESCO Commission

Marielies Schelhaas
Secretary-director
> unesco.nl/nl/nederlandse-unesco-commissie

De Nieuwe Vredesbeweging
For demilitarization, dialogue and de-escalation. Platform of over 25 collaborating peace organizations.
> nieuwevredesbeweging.nl

Dutch Coalition for Humanitarian Disarmament
Partnership of peace and humanitarian organizations advocating for arms control, disarmament, and prevention of civilian harm from weapons.
> humanitairedisarmament.nl

Dutch United Nations Association (NVVN)
Organization supporting UN peace initiatives, promoting international cooperation, and educating the Dutch public about global peacekeeping efforts.
> nvvn.nl

Foundation for Peace Sciences (SVW)
Academic foundation connecting researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to develop practical approaches to conflict resolution and sustainable peace.
> stichtingvredeswetenschappen.nl

Mayors for Peace Netherlands
Network of Dutch municipalities committed to nuclear abolition and promoting a culture of peace, coordinating with the international Mayors for Peace organization.
> https://mayorforpeace.nl

Musicians Without Borders
Netherlands-based international organization using music to connect communities, heal trauma, and build peace in current and former conflict regions.
> musicianswithoutborders.org

PAX
The Netherlands’ largest peace organization working to protect civilians against acts of war, end armed violence, and build inclusive peace. They operate in conflict areas worldwide and advocate for diplomatic solutions.
> paxforpeace.nl

Peace Brigades International Netherlands
Organization providing protective accompaniment to human rights defenders threatened by political violence, with Dutch support for international field projects.
> peacebrigades.nl

Peace SOS
Foundation promoting human security and sustainable peace through evidence-based advocacy, local partnerships, and policy initiatives focusing on conflict prevention and resolution.
> peacesos.nl

The Rights Forum
Independent Dutch knowledge centre, founded on the initiative of former Prime Minister Dries van Agt. Since 2009, it has been committed to a just Dutch and European Palestine policy. International law and human rights are central to this.
> rightsforum.org

War Child Netherlands
Major humanitarian organization providing psychosocial support, education, and protection for children affected by armed conflict worldwide.
> warchild.nl

Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) Netherlands
Dutch section of the oldest women’s peace organization worldwide, working on disarmament, women’s rights in conflict zones, and feminist approaches to peace and security.
> wilpf.nl