The Hague - the city of peace and justice for ALL residents?

Watch this YouTube interview with Marijke Bijl from Okia, one of the event organizers.

Background

In The Hague, we are proud of our 'City of Peace and Justice'. We cherish the connections that we have with the rest of the world, the existence of and respect for human rights. We are proud of hosting many international organizations that realize these values around the world. The expats who work here are welcomed and valued citizens.

But, what do we do in our own society? Is The Hague a City of Peace and Justice for all its residents?

In the Netherlands, migrants are often seen as source of problems. Proposed legislation that criminalizes undocumented migration makes many migrants' position more vulnerable. Criminalization is disproportionate. It is a violation of human rights, threatens the most vulnerable groups, works exploitation in hand, increases the distance to the rescue, is bad for security and public order and polarizes different groups in society.

Migration is not a crime. A positive approach towards human rights and care for those who are vulnerable is not only important elsewhere in the world. Local societies benefit when people dare to act in public. Public health, safety and solidarity are the fruits of such a commitment.

On March 21, 2012, a coalition of civil society organizations will meet to discuss these questions. Staff members of international organizations for Peace and Justice - as migrants, as residents of this city - are particularly invited.

And, of course, anyone who feels connected to The Hague as a City of Peace and Justice.

Programme

19:00 Doors open ISS Aula B
19:30 Welcome
19:35 Short Film: Human Rights through the eyes of undocumented immigrants
19:40 Criminalization of residence through the eyes of: an undocumented immigrant, an ex-pat, and a
professor from the ISS.
20:00 Presentation of the statement to a representative of the municipality of The Hague.
20:10 Discussion led by Frans Weisglas. With, among others:

• Ite van Dijk (Human Rights Institute information)
• Leon van Sasse van IJsselt (Youth Crisis Centre)
• Asha Kamta (FNV)
• Carla van Os (Defencefor Children).

21:00 Closing and drinks

About the discussion

The discussion will be based on a statement written by the organizers (check the Justitia et Pax website). The municipal executive board is invited to receive this statement.

The discussion will take place in Dutch and English, and is led by Frans Weisglas. Discussion participants  are representatives of:

• international organizations
• international corporations
• localcommunity organizations
• health care
• employers and employee organizations
• local politicians from The Hague.

And of course you also more than welcome to share your opinion with us!

Organizers

Host

ISS research cluster on International Migration and Human Security

See for more information:

Everyone is welcome, but registration is appreciated. Sign-up by sending an email to guus.van.zwoll@remove-this.justitiaetpax.nl