ICK’s overarching theme of the body in revolt was this year more present than ever in everyday news… The Dutch newspaper NRC talks about ‘protest year 2019’.  All over the world, young and old spoke out against climate change, corruption and violence, or in favour of autonomy and security. From The Hague to Hong Kong and from Chile to Indonesia, a lot of bodies came out on the street to reclaim their ownership and right to express themselves in any self-chosen way.

(header) USA: American animal rights organisation PETA uses ‘toxic’ slime to draw attention to one of the most polluting sectors in the clothing industry: the leather industry. According to the organisation, leather workers, including children, are exposed to heavy, toxic chemicals. Waste materials are dumped in rivers. Photo: Johannes Eisele/AFP

Brasil: Some 3,000 indigenous women demonstrated in Brasilia against ‘the genocidal policies’ of President Jair Bolsonaro’s government. He wants to open up natural areas to activities such as mining while scientists say this is rapidly leading to further deforestation. Photo Evaristo Sa / AFP

Haïti: A masked demonstrator during riots in the Haitian capital Port-au-Prince. The rage is aimed at the government of President Moïse, who is alleged to have embezzled money from the emergency fund to rebuild Haiti after the 2010 earthquake. Photo Hector Retamal/AFP

South Africa: Many young children take part in the climate protests to speak out against governments that “deprive them of their future”.  Photo Mike Hutchings/Reuters

Czech Republic: Tightrope walkers balance over a line (slackline) that is stretched over the Emmaus Monastery in Prague. This action was organised as part of a campaign calling for attention to mental care and well-being.Photo Martin Divisek / EPA

Indonesia: Political tension over disputed election results in Jakarta. The L gesture means support for Prabowo, he was the number 2 on the electoral list. Photo Willy Kurniawan/Reuters

The Netherlands: Angry Dutch farmers swarm The Hague to protest green rules. Photo Merlin Daleman

Hong Kong: For months, there have been demonstrations against China’s growing influence. Clashes between police and activists have become increasingly violent. Photo Kim Kyung-Hoon/Reuters

Chile: A protest selfie during a mass protest in Santiago de Chile. Furious Chileans protest against President Sebastián Piñera’s government and the system of privatization that has been implemented in virtually all sectors in this richest country of South America. Photo Javier Torres / AFP

Chile: Women perform during the demonstration ‘Un violador en tu camino’ organized by feminist group Lastesis. The widespread violence against Latinas, and women in general, and the almost absolute impunity for perpetrators make that the Chilean protest songhas become an international feminist anthem. Photo:  Erik S. Lesser/EPA