The Dutch anti-discrimination organisation Art.1 Midden Nederland (Art.1 MN) has launched the campaign ‘#Jijteltmee’ (You Matter), calling on society to support those who face insults, discrimination and unequal opportunities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the ongoing pandemic, Dutch society has seen many positive examples of unity and solidarity. Unfortunately, there are also experiences of exclusion and even discrimination. The heightened stress and anxiety seem to lower the threshold for some people to be disrespectful or act on prejudices. People with an Asian or ‘non-Dutch’ appearance are singled out, sometimes being avoided by others, shouted at or called names on the street.

This can lead to conflicts in public transport, the supermarket or the neighbourhood. In addition, this leads to further social exclusion and potentially serious psychological damage for those who face this kind of treatment.

With the #jijteltmee campaign, Art.1 MN is opening a conversation about desirable behaviours in a society that requires social distancing. The organisation is calling on others to spread the message by sharing a banner and video available on its website, along with the hashtag #jijteltmee, and drawing attention to the campaign via social media.

Art.1 MN is also organising online question and answer sessions, in which public figures share their experiences with regard to discrimination during the coronavirus crisis.

Find out more about the campaign