Woven Together: The Cultural Fabric of The Hague — a story from the M4HR Summer Edition

Written by Yael Franke, Anna Graves, Eve Le Cras, Victor Tobaruela Johnson & Mike

As part of the Move 4 Human Rights (M4HR) Summer Edition 2025, young changemakers came together in The Hague to explore how human rights and storytelling can bring people closer. Through the project “The Cultural Fabric of The Hague”, participants created a photo series and exhibition that highlight the everyday places and people who quietly shape the city’s identity.

How well do you know your city? The Hague isn’t defined by a single culture, language, or history. It is shaped by people from many places, whose lives intersect in quiet, everyday ways. Our project, The Cultural Fabric of The Hague, explores this idea through a photo series and exhibition that spotlight local business owners and the spaces they’ve built within the city.

A Metaphor That Hits Home

We chose the phrase “cultural fabric” because it speaks to the idea of something woven, layered, made of many threads. The Hague is often described as a city of Peace and Justice, because it is home to international institutions such as the International Court of Justice, the International Criminal Court, and many organisations working on human rights and conflict resolution. Yet, its cultural identity doesn’t exist only in courtrooms or embassies. It also thrives in neighbourhood corner shops, restaurants, and small businesses that form the everyday places where people meet and build community.

In this project, we highlight the spaces that shape this cultural landscape and the stories of the people behind them. Stories like that of Mustafa, who opened his Thai restaurant Phad Thai after noticing that many of the customers at his father’s Turkish restaurant came from Thai communities in The Hague. Or Beatriz, who founded J.B.S. Import & Export 35 years ago, now offering a wide variety offering a wide variety products from Colombia and across Latin America.

These stories can be found throughout The Hague, offering unique insights into the many people, communities, cultures, and ideas that make up the city’s everyday life.

Behind the lens

The exhibition was developed through various conversations. We started by asking owners a simple question: “Why did you start this business?” The answers revealed unique stories, often accompanied by interesting anecdotes, and dreams for the future.

We didn’t set out to document “cultural diversity” as an abstract theme. Instead, we listened. We let the project grow organically, shaped by the people who shared their stories and trusted us with their spaces. The photographs reflect not only the people but also the atmospheres they create: spaces of belonging, resilience, and creativity.

The city we share

At Justice & Peace, human rights are not only about laws or diplomacy – they are also about presence, recognition, and connection. With The Cultural Fabric of The Hague, we invite everyone to slow down and look closer at the people and places that make this city home. By celebrating these everyday spaces, we remind ourselves that we are all part of the fabric of The Hague – woven together, stronger when connected

This project was created within the framework of M4HR Summer Edition 2025, part of the Move 4 Human Rights initiative.