The Dutch government issued an apology for the Netherlands’ contribution to 250 years of slavery last week. The apology was welcomed by Dutch King Willem-Alexander in his Christmas speech, who called it the “beginning of a long journey”.
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After Prime Minister Mark Rutte apologized for the Dutch’s involvement in slavery practiced in their former colonies, calling it a “crime against humanity”, the King said: “No one today is responsible for the inhumane acts that were inflicted in the lives of men.” , Women and children.”
“But by honestly confronting our shared past and acknowledging the crime against humanity that is slavery, we lay the foundation for a shared future, a future in which we oppose all modern forms of discrimination, exploitation and injustice.” The apology offered by the government is the beginning of a long journey,” he added.
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In the 16th and 17th centuries, the “Golden Age” of the Dutch empire was financed by the slave trade of 600,000 Africans. Most of the slaves belonged to South America and the Caribbean. The Dutch government also said it will hold several commemorative events in 2023 and a fund worth $212 million for social initiatives has been announced.
King Willem-Alexander said that the issue will remain in the attention of the royal family and that they will also participate in the events.
