Monday, October 21, 2013 - 05:05
Political Climate Netherlands Racistic
The political climate in the Netherlands is racistic. The government should take responsibility and start a nationwide anti-discriminating campaign. This was stated by the National Ombudsman, Alex Brenninkmeijer, on Sunday in the Program Buitenhof.
It was his response to the report of the Council of Europe which says that the Netherlands have to do something about the increasing racism. The report says also that there should be a national strategy against discrimination by race.
Brenninkmeijer says, “ The political mode in the Netherlands is racistic. I am not talking about one party, but in general about the attitude in The Hague. That attitude is against foreigners.” According to the ombudsman has the attitude towards racism become common use and political parties are against any criticism on their approach. “One would get the impression that the politicians in The Hague think that ‘anything goes’ and criticism is not accepted.”
According to Brenninkmeijer it is time for reflection and the politicians should take the lead. “The government has to think very good about what is happening.” The ombudsman says that the government could follow the example of the German government, who started a campaign against racism and discrimination.
Report Council of Europe
The commission against racism and intolerance (ECRI) of the Council of Europe wrote on Tuesday in their report that the Netherlands is not doing enough against racism in football stadiums. Also in application procedures and in the entertainment industry, racistic remarks are seen as a matter of course.
The commission also criticised the attitude of some politicians and media, who express the Islam and muslims, as well as the Eastern Europeans, as a threat to the Dutch society. They also mention that there is no national policy to adjust Roma and other gipsies, better to the society.