Brussels witnessed a significant demonstration on Sunday as several hundred individuals took to the streets to protest against racism and advocate for equal rights.

Organised by various groups, including the collective Platform 2103 with support from approximately 170 civil society organisations, the event drew differing estimates of attendance. While organisers claimed over 10,000 participants, Brussels police reported around 2,100.

The march's focal point emphasized the rejection of second-class citizenship, with organisers stressing that individuals with migrant backgrounds should have equal access to quality employment, education, and social housing.

Despite anti-discrimination laws in Belgium, demonstrators highlighted the lack of enforcement by authorities and the minimal number of convictions. They argued that unchecked racism and discrimination foster societal division and empower far-right ideologies.

Participants called for governmental actions ensuring equal rights, advocating for proactive measures such as practice tests to detect discrimination and robust penalties for offenders.

Various groups joined the demonstration, including trade unions ABVV/FGTB and ACV, Amnesty International, Greenpeace, and the Human Rights League. ACV representative Ann Vermorgen underscored the continued relevance of combating racism, while FGTB's Thierry Bodson warned against the far-right's threats to both political and economic democracy.

The rally also shed light on racism within the police force and instances of police brutality. Among the speakers was Ayoub Bouda, brother of Mehdi Bouda, who died in a collision with a police vehicle in 2019. Ayoub Bouda emphasized the ongoing struggle for justice and truth, lamenting attempts to dehumanize and silence his brother's memory. Photo by Ivan Radic, Wikimedia commons.