Amsterdam

Amsterdam is a pluralistic, diverse and tolerant city. This open character is inextricably linked to the city's international orientation. Over the centuries Amsterdam has welcomed dissenters or people fleeing persecution for their beliefs or orientation. Here, they can be who they want to be and can actively participate in the social process. 

Amsterdam has a long history as a safe haven for freethinkers. From Spinoza, who laid the foundation for the Enlightenment, to the first marriage between same-sex couples. Amsterdam has often served as a backdrop for people seeking freedom and resisting prevailing prejudices and dogmas. 

Even if a country has an excellent constitution, separation of powers and political institutions, a democracy only works if citizens also care about democratic values and the common good. And if people have access to rights and freedoms. Abuse of fundamental rights need to be addressed at the local level. Discrimination, sexism, racism and other forms of intolerance must be fought at the local level. 

Human rights is eminently an area where different levels of government can be complementary to each other. National governments hold the talks, local governments can showcase how to put preach into practice. Human rights is one of the pillars of Amsterdam’s international policy. Amsterdam has a good track record in this area. Working with partners such as the Anne Frank Foundation, LGBTIQ+ organisations and partners working on women’s rights. 

In the coming years, special attention will be paid in an international context to issues such as freedom of expression and rule of law. Cities operating in an authoritarian national-political environment can count on cooperation with Amsterdam. For that reason, Amsterdam has joined the Pact of Free Cities initiated by the mayors of Budapest Warsaw, Prague and Bratislava. Cities such as Istanbul, Taipei and Los Angeles have also joined with the aim of forming an informal alliance to combat nationalist populism. 

'Amsterdam as a refuge' is being further strengthened. This will involve safe haven programmes such as Shelter City and the International Cities of Refuge Network (ICORN). These are both programmes where journalists, writers, representatives of the LGBTQ+ community, lawyers, artists and scientists fighting human rights violations in their home countries are offered temporary shelter, training and safety. Amsterdam will draw attention to ICORN and Shelter City and call on other cities to take their international responsibility. The intention is also to realise more safe spaces in Amsterdam.