Coalition for international solidarity calls for greater humanity in society
The Flemish coalition for international solidarity, 11.11.11, has launched a campaign calling for greater humanity in society, with posters appearing in Antwerp and 15 other cities and municipalities this week.
The NGO umbrella organisation aims to raise awareness and apply pressure on the ongoing federal and local government negotiations through its autumn initiative.
"As an established civil society organisation, four out of five people in the Dutch-speaking part of Belgium know our name, and we are proud of that," said 11.11.11 director Els Hertogen. "However, looking at the future, a new, more appealing manifesto was needed. At this moment, we are observing a world jumping from crisis to crisis, and 11.11.11 wants to tackle the problems at their roots."
Human faces
As a coalition of organisations focused on domestic and international solidarity, 11.11.11 seeks to send a positive message. The first phase of the campaign, launched last week, asked the question, "Who stands up for humanity?" This week, the follow-up comes with an answer: posters featuring people who have long been dedicated to the causes championed by 11.11.11 and its affiliates.
"With this campaign, we want to show the human face behind solidarity," said Hertogen. "These are the people who stand up for others every day, whether they’re working on youth welfare here or providing support in places like Eastern Congo. The needs in today's world are immense, but we also see countless individuals who embody humanity in their actions."
© VIDEO 11.11.11
The new slogan, Strength in Numbers, reflects the importance of collective action. Hertogen: "Our new logo is full of symbolism and is an important expression of our core idea: many 1's next to each other, fighting shoulder to shoulder against exploitation and injustice. It’s about the strength of one global movement for justice."
Beyond raising awareness, 11.11.11 is seeking financial and other forms of support while aiming to influence policy at the federal and local levels. The organisation’s commitment is to build "an inclusive movement to join the global struggle for structural long-term solutions." This commitment is particularly important given that development cooperation budgets have reportedly become a point of contention in negotiations.
"We want to demonstrate that there is widespread support for a humane policy where everyone matters," Hertogen said. "Investing in international solidarity is not just about helping those abroad; it’s about securing the interests of everyone, including those who live here."
#FlandersNewsService | © BELGA PHOTO EMIEL CARTER
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