On Saturday, more than 10,000 people gathered in Dam Square, Amsterdam, to protest against racism and far-right ideologies. The rally was held in honor of the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. This day, observed on March 21, has been recognized by the United Nations since 1966 to fight against racial discrimination worldwide.
The protest was organized by Comité 21 Maart and supported by groups like Amnesty International and Kick Out Zwarte Piet. The participants raised their voices against rising racism and political extremism. Many carried signs that read, “Never Again.” This message linked today’s struggles to the rise of fascism in Europe in the 20th century.
For the first time, anti-fascism was the central theme of the annual march. The focus was on rejecting hate and division. Protesters also showed solidarity with global causes. Many waved Palestinian flags to express their opposition to Israel’s military operations in Gaza. Others waved Turkish flags, supporting protests in Istanbul against the arrest of Turkey’s mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu.
The protest remained peaceful. Police confirmed there were no violent incidents or arrests during the event. The rally was a strong statement against racism and extremism both in the Netherlands and worldwide.
Concerns About Rising Right-Wing Politics in the Netherlands
The demonstration in Amsterdam highlighted growing concerns about right-wing politics in the Netherlands. Recently, four right-wing parties formed a coalition. This has raised fears among many citizens about the spread of racist and extremist ideologies.
One protester explained, “Racism is rising. Fascism is rising. I had to act.” Another added, “This is happening everywhere—here, in the US, globally.” These statements show that many people feel that racism and extremism are becoming more common in many parts of the world.
The protesters in Amsterdam made it clear that they were not just concerned about local issues. They expressed solidarity with people fighting for justice worldwide. The flags from Palestine and Turkey were symbols of this global fight for equality.
International Solidarity and Support for Palestine and Turkey
The protest in Amsterdam was not just about local politics. Many protesters showed their support for Palestinians suffering in Gaza. The ongoing conflict there has claimed tens of thousands of lives in the past 15 months. Protesters in Amsterdam held signs calling for an end to the violence and for justice for Palestine.
Turkish flags also appeared at the rally. The flags showed support for protesters in Turkey. These people have been demonstrating against the arrest of Ekrem İmamoğlu, the mayor of Istanbul. İmamoğlu is a prominent opposition leader, and his arrest has sparked widespread protests in Turkey.
This solidarity highlights the global nature of the fight against racism and injustice. Protesters in Amsterdam made it clear that they see their struggle as part of a larger movement for freedom and equality.
Protests in France Against Racism and Far-Right Ideologies
The protests against racism and far-right politics were not limited to Amsterdam. In France, nearly 91,000 people took to the streets to oppose these issues. According to the French Interior Ministry, over 21,000 people gathered in Paris for the largest protest.
The protesters in France were angry at the government’s policies on immigration. They were also worried about the rise of far-right ideas in the country. In Paris, the demonstration became tense when riot police clashed with some of the protesters. Authorities reported two arrests and three injuries, including one police officer.
Protesters held signs accusing President Emmanuel Macron of being complicit in the violence in Gaza. Many said that his government’s stance on immigration and its ties to far-right groups were making the country less tolerant. Smaller protests took place in other French cities like Lyon and Toulouse, where similar messages were shared.
The Global Struggle for Racial Equality
The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle against racism. The day honors those who have fought for racial equality, including the victims of the Sharpeville Massacre in South Africa in 1960. On that day, 69 peaceful protesters were killed by police.
The protests in Amsterdam and France show that people around the world are still fighting against racism and far-right politics. The demonstrations in both cities are a call to action for governments and citizens to stand up for equality and justice. The rallies also stress the importance of international solidarity.
As more people join the fight against hate, it becomes clear that the battle for racial justice is far from over. These protests remind us that, no matter where we live, we all have a role to play in creating a fairer, more equal world.