More than a hundred scholars and artists from around the globe gathered at the Dutch Parliament’s International Press Center (Nieuwspoort) in The Hague (Den Haag), on May 23 and 24 to attend the “ImagiNation: Hong Kong in Exile” symposium to discuss the challenges on issues such as human rights and freedom of speech faced by Hong Kong people. The event was organized by NGO DEI (colloquial Cantonese meaning all of us), a Hongkongers’ organization based in the Czech Republic, hoping to expand the international community’s attention to Hong Kong issues.
The “ImagiNation: Hong Kong in Exile” symposium brought together well-known figures, including Kathleen Ferrier, Chair of the Netherlands Commission for UNESCO, Jens Galschiot, artist of “Pillar of Shame,” and Eric Otto Wear, esteemed member of Censorship and Freedom of Expression Committee, among others. They had a panel discussion on “Pillar of Shame: Memory, Oppression and Empowerment.” Hong Kong political artist Kacey Wong Kwok-choi said: “The world cannot just turn a blind eye to authoritarianism! We must fight for justice!”
“Hong Kong is beautiful, not just because of the nature scenario, but also the people and the communities.” Kathleen Ferrier, the Chair of the Netherlands Commission for UNESCO, who lived in Hong Kong for five years and recently witnessed the rapid deterioration of freedoms in Hong Kong, delivered a speech at the symposium and showed solidarity with Hongkongers in displacement around the world due to authoritarian rule.
This event featured an interactive session called “The Courtroom a Trial on Cultural Genocide,” inviting representatives of Uyghurs, Tibetans, and Hongkongers to participate in a mock courtroom setting to testify about the cultural genocide against them under the rule of the CCP. During the testimony, some of the audience became emotional, and Kunsel Rinchen Dorjee, the President of the Students for a Free Tibet Netherlands, shed tears.
Loretta Lau, director of the organizer NGO DEI, said: “This symposium represents a grave moment for Hong Kong’s artistic community. As pressures mount and self-censorship proliferates, we must provide a platform for voices to be heard and arts to flourish.” She mentioned that this seminar marked an important milestone in their journey. “Joining the justice community in The Hague is a dream come true for NGO DEI. We are committed to continuing our advocacy efforts and providing a platform for marginalized voices,” she added.
“NGO DEI” recently opened a new venue at Westinde 25 in The Hague, the Netherlands. This symposium was part of an initiative launched by “NGO DEI” and the “Art and Culture Hong Kong” on May 18. From May 18 to May 26, there was also the “Home Ideal Exhibition” at Westinde 25 to let people have a glimpse of Hong Kong’s cultural landscape.
