Amsterdammers were asked to stand up for each other in the event of discrimination

A campaign against discrimination and racism will start next month in Amsterdam. The municipality asks people to stand up for each other and to speak to each other if something happens that cannot be tolerated.

Texts such as: ‘Do you invite Rabia to the job interview are also spread on large screens in the city and via social media?’ and “Do you do anything when a gay couple is spat on?”

Councilor Rutger Groot Wassink says that the Black Lives Matter demonstrations have made clear how much the city experiences racism as a problem. Violence against LGBTI people has also shocked the city, according to the councilor. “With this campaign we make a statement: we are all responsible. So do you see or hear something that is really not possible? Come on for each other: say something and intervene.”

The campaign had already been announced, but was postponed due to the corona crisis.

Colonial past

The municipality of Amsterdam will also find out which streets, bridges, squares and statues are named after a person or event from the colonial past. The municipality also speaks to victims about racism, anti-Semitism, Muslim discrimination and discrimination against LGBTI persons.

These investigations must be completed by the end of this year. It is still unclear what will happen next.

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