The Johannes Wier Foundation (Johannes Wier Stichting – JWS) is committed to human rights in Dutch health care. ‘The right to the highest attainable standard of physical and mental health’ (right to health) has been a universal human right for decades. However, for many it nevertheless remains a goal to only be attained in the far future and a right which is increasingly under pressure through austerity measures, criticism regarding human rights or ignorance about the existence and importance of this human right. For this reason, the Johannes Wier Foundation aims to put and keep the promotion of and compliance with human rights in health care on the agenda in the Netherlands. The right to health constitutes the starting point of JWS in that respect.
Activities
The activities of JWS consist of providing independent information and education on the right to health to physicians, nurses and other professionals in Dutch health care. In addition, JWS organizes debates and knowledge exchanges on current questions and dilemmas such as about the health care provision to non-citizens or to elderly persons, or about issues revolving around medical confidentiality. Where deemed necessary, JWS collects testimonies from medical professionals about irregularities in health care in the Netherlands and raises these issues with policy makers, professional associations or in the media.
Independence
JWS is an independent human rights organization by and for health care professionals. Since its establishment in 1986, JWS is financed almost exclusively through donations, gifts and bequests. JWS is recognized as an Institution Aimed at the Common Good (in Dutch ANBI, a title provided by the Dutch Tax Service) and registered at the Dutch Chamber of Commerce under number 41181972.
Partners
JWS maintains close contact with Dutch organizations like the Royal Dutch Medical Association (KNMG), Amnesty International, the Netherlands Institute for Human Rights (College voor de Rechten van de Mens), Doctors of the World, Pharos, Lampion and the Institute for Human Rights and Medical Examination (iMMO).
JWS is part of the International Federation of Health and Human Rights Organisations (IFHHRO).
Organisation
JWS depends on the work of volunteers. The secretariat is situated in Amsterdam. The secretaries are present a few afternoons a week to support the board and to assist external clients. For contact, please visit our website: www.johannes-wier.nl.
