LAUNCH OF THE ONE OF US APPEAL IN THE NETHERLANDS
by Michael van der Mast – Federation One of us
December 2, 2015 marked the date of the launch of the One of us Appeal in the Netherlands. The event took place in Humanity House in The Hague. By signing the Appeal, experts in the field of politics, science and law turn to the European leaders and Institutions.
In essence the Appeal asks to bring the successful outcome of the European citizens’ initiative (ECI) One of us forward to the table of European democracy. The Appeal was drafted by the Federation One of us, which was founded, following the disappointing decision of the European Commission, that rejected the proposed amendments of EU law and turned down the ECI One of us.
The event started reflecting on the ECI and its purpose, after which Mr. Kees van Helden of Cry for Life explained the ties with IPPF (International Planned Parenthood Federation) and the Dutch government and Dutch NGO’s.
François Jacob, the General Manager of One of Us highlighted the reason of the birth of the Federation after the disappointing decision of the EC in May 2015. Currently thirty one pro-life organizations have joined the Federation – including three to-be-members who have sent in their application, and are waiting to become full members after the approval by majority vote during the Federation’s next General Assembly.
Michael van der Mast then explained the rules the signers should adhere to, after which Anne-Jet Bakermans read the full text of the Appeal.
The Appeal was then signed by Dutch parliamentary member Cees van der Staaij, followed by Ruth Seldenrijk and Don Ceder, experts in science and law respectively.
You also are invited to sign here: https://www.oneofusappeal.eu/nl/
