Thousands of people took to the streets of Amsterdam, the Netherlands on Saturday to protest against racism and fascism, as part of the annual demonstration organized by Comité 21 Maart to mark the International Day Against Racism and Discrimination. Hundreds also mobilized the same day in Brussels and Ghent, Belgium.
Speakers at the opening program on Dam Square warned of the growing normalization of racist and far-right rhetoric in Dutch politics and media. Dagmar Oudshoorn of Amnesty International highlighted the dangers of these trends, stressing that “history has taught us the horrific consequences” of such developments. “The struggle is not over. When they try to marginalize us, we rise. When they deny genocide, we rise,” she said.
Organizers pointed to the increasing mainstream presence of far-right forces, including Forum voor Democratie, warning that extremist ideas are becoming normalized and increasingly adopted by broader right-wing parties.
At around 3:00 p.m., demonstrators marched from Dam Square to Museumplein, chanting slogans such as “No human being is illegal” and “Nazi scum off our streets.” Protesters also carried signs reading “Silence = consent” and “Make racism wrong again.” A second program featuring speakers and activist groups followed at Museumplein, with police estimating attendance in the thousands.
In a statement of solidarity, International League of Peoples’ Struggle Netherlands said: “We stand with all those resisting racism and fascism in the Netherlands. At a time when migrant communities are increasingly targeted and far-right ideas are normalized, it is our duty to unite and fight back. The struggle against racism is inseparable from the broader fight for social justice and people’s rights.”
