Amsterdam marches for refugees rights – SAFE PASSAGE NOW – OPEN BORDERS FOR ALL

At a time when European ideals are challenged by Austria’s and a few West Balkans countries’ decision to close their borders, hundreds of people marched today 27 February in Amsterdam for a SAFE PASSAGE for refugees.

Tania Markaki and Özenç Hikmet Demirkan, a Greek and a Turk, joined their voices and sang a song together, in their own language, for the refugees at the European March for Refugees Rights demonstration in Amsterdam’s museumplein. Watch a clip from the song below:

Mohammad Abdulazez, a Syrian photojournalist and refugee, spoke at the rally.

There were also speeches by Eduard Nazarski (Director Amnesty International Nederland), Ans Boersma (Spokesperson Stichting Bootvluchteling), Karline Kleijer (Emergency Desk Manager Artsen Zonder Grenzen), Nikoletta (ReInform), as well as musical contributions by Gharib Ali, Tania Markaki and Özenç Hikmet Demirkan.

Watch a small clip from the march below:

At the end protesters launched paper boats with wishes and slogans at the pond of Museumplein – The message was SAFE PASSAGE NOW – KEEP THE BORDERS OPEN

Supporting organisations

Amnesty International Nederland || Artsen zonder Grenzen Nederland || Stichting Bootvluchteling || Because We Carry || HulpKaravaan naar Griekenland || LoketLeros || Nederlands-Griekse Mediacirkel || Grenzeloos || ReInform || Griekse Gemeenschap van Amsterdam || Platform Stop Racisme en Uitsluiting || GroenLinks Amsterdam || SP || Internationale Socialisten || XminY