Why haven’t we taken to the streets (yet)
So why is it so difficult to set up a big event for international solidarity? Because believe me, we have talked to various organisations about a manifestation, about organising a protest march or a joyful festival. Yet every time, we get stuck on the ability to mobilise massive crowds – after all, the people who are really affected do not live in the Netherlands – and on the image that could possibly be created among ordinary Dutch people that we take action to keep our own trousers up.
A manifestation in the making
So when we were approached by trade union FNV to possibly stage such a large-scale manifestation, we did not hesitate and stepped into the process together with other concerned civil society and development organisations to make it happen. Last Thursday, 10 April’s action conference was the first step towards ‘something’ bigger. The two strong panels inspired those who came together and then put to work. Creativity and ideas are aplenty, but we are still somewhat stuck on that action readiness again if we want to tackle it on a large scale. How do you tell the story of international solidarity and cooperation in such a way that it gets a lot of people on their feet? And that it is crucial became clear. The panels emphasised that surely it will not be the case that major conflicts will continue to arise/ exist and there will be no civil society left to sound the alarm or offer perspective. Surely we cannot let that happen!
The power of a shared message
I received an email after the conference from one of the attendees with a beautiful photo report of the Hands Off protests in the United States. Hands Off Our Bodies, Hands Off Our Universities, Hands Off Human Rights, and so forth. Where the O is crossed out diagonally like a stop sign. These are powerful and beautiful protest signs displayed during large demonstrations. Most of them are directed against the measures introduced by the Trump administration. But instead of opposing issues, the protesters signal that a limit has been reached. By taking action with the slogan ‘Hands Off’, it is clear that this is one movement, even though it is not about the exact same issue. ‘Hands Off’ was once a slogan against wars in the US, and has now grown into a broader demand for respect, autonomy and cooperation among peoples and people from all walks of life. This is an example of how successful mobilisation can be put into practice.
CONCORD Europe recently sent an ‘Enabling Environment Toolkit’ to its members with the slogan: #StopAttackingNGOs. I thought that was a good slogan, too. It is clear, calls for action and sets a limit. In the Netherlands, you see protests increasing and growing in size, but not yet under one particular heading or core cry. ‘Hands Off’ has so far been very focused on the US government. Yet, from the idea of creating a movement and sending a very clear message, it also fits well to take to the streets under the same banner. Hands off Human Rights! Stop attacking Peace! This motivates, doesn’t it? It must be possible to develop something for our manifestation and other manifestations that appeals to that ‘Hands Off’ movement. That way, we will get more people on their feet. Soon, the action conference will be followed up with a broad representation of civil society. At least that is the intention, because creating mass remains exciting.
The next step: creating mass together
Therefore, this is a call not to stay on the sidelines. Not to wait for elections or better times. But to make our voices heard in June, together. Join us. Take to the streets. Show that international solidarity is alive and well – and that we refuse to remain silent while others are oppressed. And ask everyone you know to join in. Hands off International Solidarity! Stop Attacking NGOs! Which cry is it going to be?