Human Rights, Peace, and Social Justice Highlighted at International Mandela Day Celebration
Amsterdam, Netherlands – 18 July 2026 – Mr. Shantha Dalugamage, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Stichting Mission Lanka, participated as a guest speaker at the Nelson Mandela Day 2026 celebration held in Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
The event brought together human rights advocates, community leaders, and members of the public to commemorate the life and enduring legacy of Nelson Mandela, whose vision of justice, equality, dignity, and peace continues to inspire people around the world.
Sharing a Commitment to Human Rights
During his address, Mr. Dalugamage shared his personal journey and longstanding commitment to promoting human rights, peacebuilding, and social justice.
Drawing on his work as a Human Rights Activist, Peace Ambassador, and the Founder & CEO of Stichting Mission Lanka, he emphasized the importance of empowering communities through education, advocacy, and increased awareness of fundamental human rights.
His remarks also reflected the organization’s ongoing collaboration with Youth for Human Rights International, highlighting the responsibility of every individual to uphold human dignity, equality, and fundamental freedoms.
Learning from History
The programme also featured a presentation by Annette Brunnekreef, who shared her personal experiences of growing up during the apartheid era in South Africa.
Her presentation provided valuable insight into the importance of justice, equality, and protecting human rights for future generations.
Taking Action for Human Rights
Following the presentations, participants joined a community walk to Oosterpark, where they distributed educational materials on human rights to members of the public.
The activity reflected the spirit of Nelson Mandela Day, encouraging individuals to transform awareness into meaningful action within their communities.
Recognizing the Organizers
The event was organized with the support of Youth for Human Rights International.
Special appreciation was extended to Ms. Gerbrig Denium, Director of Youth for Human Rights International, and Mr. Robert Kruijt, Public Affairs Officer, for their leadership, coordination, and continued commitment to promoting human rights education and public awareness.
Continuing Mandela’s Legacy
Nelson Mandela Day serves as a global reminder that every individual has the power to make a positive difference through service, compassion, and respect for human dignity.
The event concluded with a shared commitment among participants to continue advancing justice, equality, peace, and human rights in their respective communities.
