The Commemoration Committee consists of members from different parts of the Kingdom, including Bonaire, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, Sint Eustatius, and Saba. The addition of representatives from Aruba and Suriname is in preparation.
Role and Responsibilities
The Commemoration Committee will organize the National Commemoration of the Slavery Past on July 1 in Amsterdam starting this year and will work closely with NiNsee (National Institute for Dutch Slavery Past and Heritage). The committee operates as an independent foundation without political direction, as laid down in the statutes. This ensures an inclusive approach that allows for diverse perspectives and initiatives.
Progress and Cooperation
The establishment of the Commemoration Committee follows the actions mentioned in the cabinets response to the apologies for the slavery past. This letter emphasized the importance of structural recognition of the slavery past and its impact on contemporary society. The committee will also play an important role in further dialogue about the slavery past and in promoting projects and initiatives that investigate this past.
Future-Oriented Work on Awareness and Connection
This establishment is part of a broader package of measures, as outlined in the progress letter presented to the House of Representatives on February 11 by the Minister of Interior and Kingdom Relations. This letter addresses, in addition to the establishment of the Commemoration Committee Slavery Past, the subsidy schemes for social initiatives and other measures for awareness and recognition. It also highlights the progress of the projects in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom and Suriname.
Read here the letter on the progress of the slavery past.
