Cultuurhaven: Labour Day

• Date: 01 May
• Time: 15:00 - 18:00
• Location: West Den Haag

Please note: this is a Dutch-language event.

Overview

May 1st is International Labour Day. Almost all countries in the world celebrate Labour Day, an official public holiday on which demonstrations are held and attention is drawn to the rights of the working class. Almost all countries, but not the Netherlands. While income inequality is growing here too, and more and more vulnerable groups, such as migrant workers, are ending up in dire situations in cities like The Hague, attention to and activism for labour rights seem to be shrinking further and further.

We therefore cordially invite you to celebrate Labour Day with us on Friday, May 1st. You are welcome at Art Centre West in the former American Embassy to engage in a conversation about the importance of labour rights for migrants, with speeches by stakeholders in the field, and to experience inspiring artistic contributions. What does labour migration contribute to Dutch society and how can this be made visible? What has labour migration meant for the identity of so many Dutch people, and how does that differ per generation? What can the history of labour migration teach us about the dire situations of today? Program

15:00-15:30 | Arrival

15:30-16:00 | Introduction and speeches by Ruşen Koç and others

16:15-18:00 | Yunus Kaplan & Rabia Mermi: ‘Not the Same Country’ – Presentations and public discussion on generational identity following labor migration

Ruşen Koç is a researcher from The Hague who focuses on labor migration, social inequality, and the position of diaspora communities. His work explores themes such as political participation, identity, and trust in institutions. He is also the founder of the Creative Muslim Club.

Yunus Kaplan is a writer and teacher. In his work, he writes about growing up between cultures, about loyalty and distance, and about the question of what a country means to different generations. His texts move between personal experience and societal reflection.

Rabia Hatun Mermi is an energy therapist, yoga teacher, and coach. In her work, she guides people through creativity, body awareness, and rituals to connect more deeply with themselves.

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