On Friday, June 6, the Council of Ministers approved the proposal from the outgoing State Secretary for Legal Protection and the outgoing Minister of the Interior and Kingdom Relations to establish a foundation that will help citizens free of charge with legal issues and discrimination.
This proposal is now being submitted for 30 days to the First and Second Chambers. Both Chambers can take note of the intention and may ask questions. Afterwards, the foundation can be established in Bonaire.
In the lead-up to the establishment of the foundation, a start is already being made on recruiting members of the Supervisory Board and the managing director. After establishment, the foundation will initiate the recruitment of staff. Additionally, locations on the three islands will be explored where doors can be opened for citizens.
The establishment of the foundation is an important step in improving the legal protection of citizens in the Caribbean Netherlands. Residents will soon be able to turn to the foundation free of charge with legal questions or problems on various subjects, including complaints about unequal treatment. Currently, a bill is being discussed in the First Chamber that will make equal treatment laws applicable in the Caribbean Netherlands. The staff at the office will provide the appropriate support aimed at resolving the issue.
The Island Council of Bonaire recently decided to establish a Bureau for Civil Rights. This facility also provides legal support to citizens and is specifically aimed at disputes between citizens and the government. There is close contact with the public entity Bonaire to ensure that both foundations in Bonaire will complement each other effectively.