Press Release, Amsterdam, March 26 2012
Civil Society Appeal on Article 1 of the Constitution of the Netherlands
Principle of equality and the prohibition of discrimination
In, Article 1 of the Constitution of the Netherlands, the principles of equality and prohibition of discrimination are clearly enshrined. On, Saturday, 24 March 2012, 21 organizations in Amsterdam have discussed with each other these principles during an event to commemorate the International Day for the elimination of racial discrimination.
The participants have reached the conclusion that the most fundamental principles of Dutch society are under contestation. Because of this we must recognize and challenge the current dynamic of racism in the society:
- The policy of the government reflects extreme views and the Islamofobe ideology has penetrated the centre of the political system. The effects of this can be seen in the mainstream stigmatisation, fear of migrants and the growing violence against migrants.
- Besides that, the restrictive policies on immigration, asylum and integration, are daily causing social exclusion in areas such as housing, health, education and work/employment.
- The constant racist and xenophobic remarks in the media ensures stigmatization, dichotomized classification and segregation.
- The presentation of the economic crisis as a legitimate reason for social exclusion of migrants causes polarization in the society.
For these reasons, we make our appeal on the basis of citizenship and call on every citizen to protect Article 1 of the constitution. Let us jointly ensure that the important principles and values remain and are strengthened - such as equality, tolerance, diversity, anti-discrimination, freedom and responsibility. In looking for solutions, let us put the current crises in the context of the failures of the economic, political and development model. It is a shared problem of our global village and irrespective of colour, race, sex and religion; everyone is affected by it, and it is for this reason crucial that our society is not based on exclusion but on inclusion.
For the Transnational Migrant Platform (TMP)
Jille Belisario
Eerste Weteringplantsoen 2c, 1017 SJ Amsterdam
Telefoon: 06-2526-9800
e-mail: jb@cfmw.org