In Suriname, the minister will start talks with the government of Suriname and civil society organizations. More details are not yet known.
Next week, Kaag will also lead a second discussion session with Catshuis organizations on how the cabinet will reflect on slavery’s past on December 19. Rutte himself was present at the first meeting, but has engagements in Brussels next week.
At the end of November it was leaked that the cabinet wants to apologize for the slavery passed on December 19th. This must be done in the Netherlands and in seven former colonies.
Slavery committees, among others, have voiced criticism of the plan in recent weeks. The Netherlands would have done it alone, without involving them.
There is also a lot of resistance to Minister Franc Weerwind’s (Legal Protection) role in offering an apology. He is a descendant of enslaved Surinamese. Some organizations therefore find it inappropriate for me to apologize on behalf of the Netherlands.
