Hundreds of international scholars and artists gathered on May 23 and 24 at the International Press Center in The Hague, Netherlands, to attend the “ImagiNation: Hong Kong in Exile” seminar, discussing the human rights and freedom of speech issues facing the people of Hong Kong. The event was organized by the Czech Hong Kong organization NGO DEI, aiming to increase international attention on Hong Kong-related matters.
The seminar “ImagiNation: Hong Kong in Exile” brought together prominent figures, including the Chair of the Netherlands United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization Committee, Kathleen Ferrier, artist Jens Galschiot, and Dr. Eric Otto Wear from the Censorship and Freedom of Expression Committee, who held discussions on “Pillars of Shame: Memory, Oppression, and Empowerment.” Hong Kong political artist Dr. Huang Guocai expressed, “The world cannot turn a blind eye to authoritarianism! We must fight for justice!”
“香港很美麗，不單是因為自然風光，還因為這裏的社區和人。” (“Hong Kong is beautiful, not just because of the nature scenario, but also the people and the communities.”) Kathleen Ferrier, who lived in Hong Kong for five years and witnessed the rapid deterioration of freedom in recent years, delivered a speech at the seminar in solidarity with Hongkongers dispersed around the world due to authoritarian rule.
The event featured an interactive session titled “The Courtroom: A Trial on Cultural Genocide,” inviting representatives from the Uighur and Tibetan communities as well as Hong Kong to participate in a simulated courtroom trial to testify to the cultural genocide under the rule of the Chinese Communist Party. During the testimonies, emotions ran high, with Rinchen Dorjee, the chair of Students for a Free Tibet Netherlands, shedding tears.
Loretta Lau, the director of the organizing group NGO DEI, stated, “This seminar marks an important moment for the Hong Kong arts community. With increasing authoritarian pressure and the spread of self-censorship, we must provide a platform for art to flourish and voices to be heard by the world.” Lau mentioned that this seminar signifies a significant milestone in the organization’s journey, “Joining the Hague Justice Community is a dream come true for NGO DEI, the organization is committed to continuing advocacy work and providing a platform for marginalized voices.”
Recently, NGO DEI established a new office at Westinde 25 in The Hague, Netherlands, and this seminar is part of the initiative activities initiated by NGO DEI and Art and Culture Hong Kong. From May 18 to 26, the Home Ideal Exhibition was held at Westinde 25, allowing people to glimpse the cultural landscape of Hong Kong.