Anti-discrimination Safety Pact

Dutch society in 2012 is extremely diverse. Cultural differences and differences of opinion can lead to dialogue and debate on a variety of issues (e.g. sexuality, the Middle East, Islam) in a pluriform society. These differences can be fundamental, but they may never motivate discrimination, let alone verbal or physical violence.

Each person has a right to his or her own self-identity and to be respected by others, provided he or she respects others and their individuality. The protection of minorities is an important principle of our democracy.

In addition, groups other than those mentioned above may also be victims of discriminatory aggression – such as asylum seekers, the disabled and women.

We undertake to actively resist all forms of discriminatory aggression, both verbal (such as insults and bullying) and physical (such as assault and arson).

Article 1.
We declare that they are prepared to take a public stand on the above-mentioned topics, specifically with regard to incidents, threatening situations and burning issues in public debate. We also declare that they are prepared to spread the above-mentioned message and, if necessary, to discuss it with their own supporters and others of like mind.

Article 2.
We are prepared, to the best of their abilities, to protect houses of prayer, homes and individuals under imminent threat.

Article 3.
We are prepared, to the best of their abilities, to participate in arranging school visits by mixed groups, to conduct discussions with pupils on the above-mentioned topics.
Article 4.
We are prepared, to the best of our abilities, to cooperate in neighbourhood mediation in relation to bullying and other tensions between local residents.