Global call – save Radio Netherlands Worldwide

Radio Netherlands Worldwide’s productions in ten languages reach far and wide via radio, partner stations, websites and mobile telephones. Radical cuts planned by the Dutch government have put RNW’s future in jeopardy. Messages of support are pouring in from all corners of the world. We hear from a number of prominent citizens of the world.

Richard Goldstone (South Africa)
Former judge, former chief prosecutor for the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), led the UN investigation into the Gaza War. He talks about RNW’s International Justice website:

“Well, my message to the Dutch politicians is that it is in the interests of the Netherlands and its people that it continues to be at the forefront of international justice. And, let’s be quite frank about it, I think it is an important income producer for the Netherlands. Many thousands of people pass through The Hague every year. This is an important plus and I think that the publicity associated with it contributes very positively in that way.”

Nicolaas van Dam (the Netherlands)
Former Dutch ambassador to Indonesia, Germany and Syria:

“Continuing Radio Netherlands Worldwide’s operations in Indonesia is without question of importance to our bilateral relations. They allow us to reach a large part of the Indonesian population right across the archipelago. This direct contact between our two populations and countries is of great benefit and its disappearance would constitute a major loss for both parties. When I served as ambassador to Indonesia (2005 – 2010), I was often made aware how highly valued RNW’s broadcasts were in Indonesia, and how they facilitated mutual understanding.”

Adolfo Perez Esquivel (Argentina)
Nobel Peace Laureate (1980), cited for his support of relatives of victims of the Dirty War under the Videla dictatorship:

“I will raise my voice and will do my utmost to convince the Dutch government of the powerful effect of Radio Netherlands Worldwide and the value of its work which mustn’t be lost.”

Willem Sools (the Netherlands)
In 2008, was taken hostage for four months in Somalia with a colleague:

“The whole time, we were able to listen regularly to a little radio, to stations including Radio Netherlands Worldwide. I wanted to thank you, even though you weren’t aware of it. I was able to hear everything about the Netherlands: interviews, documentaries, the news and, at Yuletide, typically Dutch stories about Saint Nicholas and Christmas - fantastic. Your broadcasts strengthened me a lot. Thanks.”

Mohamed el-Alaggi (Libya)
Member of Libya’s National Transitional Council and opponent of Muammar Gaddafi:

“We’ll never forget that Radio Netherlands Worldwide was one of the first broadcasters to arrive in Benghazi after the revolution started. Mohammed Abdulrahman and Hans Jaap Melissen did extremely good work, and also Omar Elkeddi from Hilversum. That will always be engraved in the memory of the Libyan people and is the reason why we don’t blame the Netherlands for not having recognised the council yet.”

Cees Nooteboom (the Netherlands)
Writer and poet, his work has been translated into many languages:

“I’ve travelled the world a lot and have always listened to Radio Netherlands Worldwide, and now they’re going to cut it, kill it. It’s as much my tragedy as yours. They have no idea of the importance of certain things, which you can’t measure in terms of money. I simply don’t understand this government.”

Lulu (China)
It’s not usual in China to show public support for foreign news organisations. Nevertheless, members of the audience of RNW’s Chinese-language website have let their voices be heard. They include 29-year-old Lulu from Chengdu:

“You are very important. You let the Chinese hear a different voice. You have opened a window for people in a country without press freedom.”

(Source : Radio Netherlands Worldwide)