Amsterdam launches anti-racism campaign, street names under the microscope | Inland

The municipality is also looking at the names of streets, squares, bridges and the statues in the city ‘with a link to the colonial past’, and is also investigating what victims of racism, anti-Semitism, (Muslim) discrimination and gay hatred experience. The municipality also organizes ‘conversations about mutual trust’ with agents and young people.

“There is no room for racism and discrimination in Amsterdam,” said alderman Rutger Groot Wassink (diversity). “With this campaign we make a statement: we are all responsible. So: do you see or hear something that is really not possible? Stand up for each other: say something, intervene! Don’t be a silent bystander. It only hurts the victim more. ”

Minorities at stake

A large number of people gathered in Amsterdam last month to demonstrate against racist (police) violence. The city has recently been rocked several times by violence against a gay couple and daubs from the Jewish restaurant HaCarmel. A ‘bomb’ was also placed there early this year, which cleared the area for a long time. Wassink: “We must have knowledge of and respect for each other’s experience and history, meet, understand and value each other.”

The campaign was previously announced, but was postponed due to corona. “Public life is now starting up again and racism and discrimination are the topic of conversation in the city. That is why it was decided to launch the campaign as soon as possible, “said the municipality. The college has been committed to anti-discrimination for some time, including with mystery guest studies in nightlife, the housing market and internships in business.

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