A/HRC/41/44/Add.2 human rights defenders and promote the international legal order and the fight against impunity, in line with established international human rights policy. 21. Another major government focus is the theme of business and human rights, because of its close connection with broader questions concerning international and domestic corporate social responsibility and the enhancement of value chain sustainability. The issue of business and human rights is included in the Policy Document on Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation (BHOS).3 This policy document also opts for the broad human rights approach reflected in the Sustainable Development Goals. 22. Similarly, adequate space for civil society is a prerequisite for the exercise and promotion of human rights and the global implementation of human rights policy. Accordingly, the Netherlands tries to protect and promote this space in its international relations and, where possible, to enlarge it. 23. The Independent Expert was informed of the priority issues which the Dutch Government has decided to focus on in its foreign human rights policy. The Netherlands will continue to strive to protect freedom of expression, online and offline, and the right to information, continuing to promote independent and pluralist media with a particular focus on the position of women in the media. The Netherlands is endeavouring to ensure that human rights defenders can continue to do their work online in safety. The Netherlands also defends at the international level the right of individuals to shape their own religious or philosophical identity, to uphold theistic, non-theistic or atheistic convictions, to change their faith or to have no faith. 24. The Netherlands will continue to improve the position of women and girls worldwide and to attain gender equality. Gender equality contributes to the achievement of a number of Sustainable Development Goals. The implementation of Security Council resolution 1325 (2000), the fight against violence against women and against child marriage, and the promotion of women’s economic and political participation will remain core Dutch priorities. Sexual and reproductive health and rights is an integral part of Dutch policy on women’s equal rights. 25. The Netherlands has a policy of supporting and protecting human rights defenders from around the world, with a focus on safety and security, capacity-building and innovation, defending, and where possible enlarging, the space for civil society. The Netherlands is providing practical help to human rights defenders by establishing regional relocation initiatives for them, called regional Shelter Cities. These Shelter Cities allow human rights defenders to catch their breath and deepen their knowledge concerning digital, physical and psychological safety (see below). 26. The Netherlands also supports equal rights for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex persons, focusing specifically on decriminalizing homosexuality, combating discrimination and violence and promoting social acceptance, in accordance with the coalition agreement. 27. Finally, the Netherlands promotes the international legal order. A solid rule of law, at international as well as national level, is a precondition for peace and democracy and thus for safeguarding human rights. Accordingly, the Netherlands has been working in a number of countries to strengthen democracies governed by the rule of law. Foreign policy – and international solidarity-related areas B. 28. The Independent Expert was informed that the Netherlands is thriving economically, as an important trading nation and one of the world’s most innovative and competitive economies. In line with this privileged situation, he was made aware that the Dutch policy on foreign trade and development cooperation is geared to respond to major changes and challenges around the globe: the growth of conflict and instability, large flows of refugees 3 6 Investing in Global Prospects: For the World, For the Netherlands, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, The Hague, May 2018.