AMSTERDAM – On the eve of China’s National Day, ethnic Uyghurs, Tibetans and Southern Mongolians gathered in Amsterdam’s iconic Dam Square to demand justice and recognition of human rights violations. This powerful protest, held on September 29, 2024, drew international attention to the ongoing persecution of ethnic minorities in China.
united front for human rights
These protests brought together diverse communities fighting against oppression. Activists and supporters around the world have come together in solidarity to call for immediate action to address several critical issues.
1. End forced labor: Protesters called for an end to widespread forced labor practices, especially in industries such as cotton and textile production.
2. Closure of concentration camps: Protesters have called for the immediate closure of detention facilities where millions of Uyghurs and other Turkic Muslims are reportedly being held.
3. Restoration of religious freedom: There were calls to stop destroying mosques and suppressing Islamic traditions.
4. Preservation of cultural heritage: Protesters opposed policies of forced assimilation and advocated protection of Uyghur, Tibetan, and Mongolian languages and cultures.
A strong sign of global resistance
Choosing Dam Square as the protest location was meaningful. As the historic center of Dutch democracy and a popular tourist destination, it has provided a prominent platform that captures attention from around the world.
“By uniting our voices in the heart of Amsterdam, we shine a light on the systemic oppression facing millions of people,” said Amina Yusuf, lead coordinator for the event. “The international community must now go beyond words and take concrete steps to hold China accountable.”
Impact and Consequences
About 5,000 people, including representatives of various human rights organizations and members of the European Parliament, attended this protest. The event featured moving speeches from community leaders and personal testimonies from survivors, and concluded with a candlelight vigil lighting up Dam Square.
Several key findings emerged from the protests.
1. Media coverage of China’s human rights situation increased as major international media outlets reported this incident.
2. A commitment by Dutch lawmakers to raise this issue in the next parliamentary session.
3. Launch of a new coalition of NGOs dedicated to defending the rights of persecuted minorities in China.
next steps
Organizers have announced follow-up plans, including a series of training workshops and a social media campaign, to keep the momentum going. They continue to call on governments around the world to sanction Chinese officials responsible for human rights abuses.
About the organizers: The protest was organized by a coalition of Uyghur, Tibetan, and Southern Mongolian rights organizations, including the World Uyghur Congress, Students for a Free Tibet, and the Southern Mongolian Human Rights Information Center.
