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Photo: Marit Maij, candidate #3 for GL-PvdA in European elections
Marit Maij, former diplomat, Member of Parliament and Director of ActionAid, is a candidate for the European Parliament. In an exclusive interview, she explains what drives her, her vision of human rights and how she wants to defend and strengthen these fundamental values within the European Union. She stresses the crucial importance of the European Parliament in promoting human rights, not only within member states, but also worldwide. With her candidacy, Maij hopes to build bridges and work for a social, inclusive and strong Europe committed to protecting for the rights of all citizens.
Injustice in pictures
Maij is determined to make her contribution at a time when many uncertainties are rearing their heads. She points to the right-wing winds blowing through Europe, the war in Ukraine and the ongoing conflicts in Gaza. "Certainties and freedoms are under pressure. It is my generation's duty to stand up for everyone," she says.
"Assurances and freedoms are under pressure. It is my generation's duty to stand up for everyone"
She stresses that women's and LGBT rights are often the first to come under pressure from conservative right-wing governments. "It's often said about those kinds of governments that it's not all that bad, but if you're a woman or queer, it's not so bad. In Italy, for example, they are making a law that anti-abortion activists allowed into abortion clinics. This will greatly restrict free access to abortion. Also, the registration of gay parents by the Italian government will be made more difficult, making same-sex partners unwilling to register."
Maij also points to migrants, who are often wrongly blamed for a variety of social problems, such as housing shortages. "It is simply not true that migrants are responsible for these problems," she explains. "Many sectors in our economy depend on migrant workers, who often have to work in appalling conditions. The real blame lies with the companies that exploit these people and provide them with poor housing and working conditions."
A call to action
"It is crucial that we remain committed to the rights of minorities, including women and the LGBT+ community. Human rights affect these vulnerable groups first. Europe should be for everyone, not just a select few." Maij therefore wants to support initiatives in the European Parliament that protect these vulnerable groups. "Abortion should be a fundamental right, and we should stop blaming migrants for everything."
"Human rights hit vulnerable groups first. Europe should be for everyone, not just a select few"
Maij stresses that there is still much work to be done, but that politics provides a platform where she can make a big impact. For example, she would like a role at the Commission on Women's Rights and Gender Equality. "There are 143 countries who have in their constitutions that men and women are equal, but this is not completely observed anywhere." She also stresses the importance of feminist foreign policy that stands for promoting a meaningful participation of minorities, indigenous groups, women and LGBT+ persons to decision-making: "It is important to engage with the groups it affects."
She also highlights Europe's responsibility to communities in the Global South. "Communities in the Global South supply many of our products and raw materials, but their rights are often violated. We must act responsibly, also abroad, without leaving scars." Maij stresses that economic interests sometimes outweigh health and environmental standards, and that this must change.
"We need to do business responsibly, even abroad, without leaving scars"
Building a more tolerant and inclusive Europe together
She also stresses the importance of close cooperation between national parliaments and the European Parliament, pointing out that much legislation enacted in Brussels also directly affects the Netherlands. "For example, the extension of partnership leave in the Netherlands was instituted by a European directive," she said. "National politicians should not only focus on short-term interests, but also embrace the long-term vision in the EU," Maij underlines.
"National politicians should not just look at the short-term, but embrace the long-term vision in the EU"
Furthermore, Maij sees an important role for herself in working with non-governmental organisations (NGOs). "Civil society plays an important role in promoting freedom of expression and maintaining a strong democracy. We need to keep listening to what is going on in the world."
Marit Maij is determined to work for a more inclusive and just Europe. She hopes to be a strong voice for the rights of women, the LGBT+ community, and other minorities in her term as MEP. "Europe should be for everyone," she concludes. "This means social and economic opportunities for all. And we must continue to defend the freedom and space to be yourself."
