If you are thinking of travelling to Amsterdam, you will be required to present a negative COVID-19 test before entering.
Amsterdam is known as one of the most ethnically diverse places in the entirety of Europe. But, putting this at competition with the rest of the world, how exactly is ethnically diverse within Amsterdam and the Netherlands.
The Diverse Ethnicity Within Amsterdam
To put this in perspective, Amsterdam has one of the largest numbers of ethnic minorities not just in the EU, but across the globe. The past 5 or so decades has been the most crucial for Amsterdam’s diversity within ethnic groups and has seen many ethnicities from different countries travel here. It is said that half of Amsterdam is expected to have grandparents from another country.
The Legal Measures
Typically, diversity within a country usually means there will be legal measures put in place to avoid discriminatory beliefs. There are many put in place, regardless if it’s race or sexuality or even gender, Amsterdam speaks loudly on their stance against discrimination.
Anti-Discrimination
Since amsterdam speaks loud and clearly about their diverse society, the time and effort it devotes to protecting the fundamentals of Amsterdam is incredible. It is known that Amsterdam even funds the small formation of ethnic minority groups.
You’d be surprised to hear that in 1996, the ‘Municipality of Amsterdam’ added a code of conduct for their local authority and employees to help prevent complaints and scenarios where anti-discrimination takes place.
This Municipality has implemented five points to help the shaping policies of the incoming migrants to Amsterdam. The services in Amsterdam need to reflect its ever changing population, and these policies are in place to help reflect that.
Emancipation Of Women
Many experience discrimination, even based on their sexuality and Amsterdam stands strongly against this. Amsterdam created a service to deal with complaints regarding the legal and social aspect of women in society since 1995.
Furthermore, the addresses of hundreds of organisations that have helped provide aid for the emancipation of women have been included in the yellow pages for women. This was published by the Multicultural Emancipation Bureau.
Amsterdam & It’s Support Of The LGBT Rights
The dutch capital that is Amsterdam, is listed by the ‘International Gay Travel Association’ as the best destination to travel to for those that are of another sexuality than heterosexual. The city of Amsterdam and it’s actions are clear that they focus on fighting discrimination against members of the LGBT community.
There is a memorial (the homomonument) to remember the dark times that occurred, this is located near the Westerkerk church. The memorial includes three pink triangles dedicated to the victims of discrimination and mental & physical harm of those within the LGBT community.
The former mayor of Amsterdam saw the entire countries first same-sex marriage back in 2001. A historic event was made after four same-sex couples took a moment to sign the register, allowing them to enjoy the legal status the heterosexuals experience.
The Netherlands introduced the registration of same-sex partners back in 1998, and the legislation was approved by the Dutch government in December of the year 2000.
From reading this article, it is safe to say that Amsterdam is a well diverse city, and with it’s ever-so-fast population growth rate, the diversity will only further increase. Amsterdam has a great culture, especially in art, and I would encourage you to get a glimpse at this incredible city.
Written By: Max Lang-Orsini