Demonstrations against racism in 15 central cities

Anti-racism and anti-discrimination demonstrations took place in 15 central cities across the country on Sunday on the eve of the International Day of Action on the subject on March 21. It is an initiative of more than 150 smaller and larger civil society organizations that have united in the 03/21 platform. The focus was on housing, work, education and public space.

In Antwerp, a procession of about 800 people walked from the Operaplein through the city center towards Spoor Oost. “At the end we provide testimonies about racism and discrimination in the four areas around which the work revolves,” says Mohammed Al-Majjudi of Community Action Organization SAAMO, one of the initiators. In between, there is a music program that also revolves around racism, discrimination and exclusion. We are here from many sectors: youth work, social development work, trade unions, welfare organizations, … there is a great connection to stand together against racism and discrimination.”

National action on the occasion of Anti-Racism Day has been an annual tradition since 2018. “During the Corona crisis, we had to organize local initiatives instead of one big national demonstration, and that is still the case today,” says Sarah Schippers from podium 03/21. So we selected topics close to local organizations and individuals. Having a good job, a decent affordable home, a quality education for your children where they are not excluded, and free accessible public space, … these are the requirements we set today.”

Demonstrations took place in Antwerp, Brussels, Ghent, Kortrijk, Bruges, Ypres, Ostend, Leuven, Genk, Halle, Liege, Charleroi, Mons and Bertrix.

Protest against racism in Bruges © Penny Brut