We spoke with Hebe about taking the Ulex training "Strengthening Resilience in Adverse Conditions." Below are some of their reflections:
"I am happy and grateful that Stroomversnellers enabled me to attend the 'Strengthening Resilience in Adverse Conditions' training. Extinction Rebellion Netherlands, with whom I take to the streets to make my voice heard, is coming under increasingly intense fire. The government seems to be doing everything in its power to create a ‘chilling effect.’ Our protesters are facing police violence, in some cases resulting in broken bones, and are being prosecuted for actions that the UN Special Rapporteur on the Aarhus Convention, Michel Forst, has repeatedly stated are protected under the right to protest. In fact, he has even urged the Dutch government to ensure that some of these convictions are overturned on appeal! Furthermore, reports such as The Right to Protest Under Pressure (2022) by Amnesty International, The Right to Protest in a Tight Spot (2023) by Investico and De Groene Amsterdammer, the CIVICUS Monitor (2024), and the 2024–2025 annual report by the Netherlands Institute for Human Rights all confirm that the right to protest in the Netherlands is under severe strain. It is therefore no surprise that we need more knowledge and experience regarding how to cope with such repression."
| "The 'Strengthening Resilience in Adverse Conditions' training focuses on building resilience in situations of state repression. We gained insight into structural oppression, the ways in which one can respond to it, and how to enhance safety at the level of one's group or movement." | "The training consisted of an engaging mix of various methods. At times, we listened to a presentation in the ‘traditional’ way, while at other times, we engaged in discussions to share our experiences. We made use of visual aids and incorporated different types of bodywork for instance, to build trust or to learn how to remain somewhat relaxed even in extremely stressful situations. Theater techniques were also employed, which brought a great deal of joy to the sessions." |
 | "Since returning from the training, I have shared the knowledge I gained regarding repression widely throughout the movement. Together with others, I am trying to spark discussions about what we, as a movement, can do to counter repression or, at times, even leverage it in a clever way. A few years ago, for instance, when the Public Prosecution Service in The Hague arrested eight of our protesters at their homes on charges of ‘incitement,’ the media attention we managed to generate led to a massive surge in the number of people willing to attend our demonstrations." |
Ulex is a training organisation that facilitates high-quality, multi-day training programs for social movements from across Europe. This training was fully funded by a grant from Erasmus+. |  |
Back to overview
