WILLEMSTAD – Acting Governor of Curaçao Ruthsella Jansen received representatives of Amnesty International Netherlands at the Governor’s Palace on Tuesday, October 6, for discussions on migration, refugee protection and human rights.
Amnesty International Netherlands was represented by Director Dagmar Oudshoorn and Tamara de Paula, project officer and researcher.
During the meeting, the representatives discussed recent developments concerning people seeking international protection in Curaçao. Amnesty International has conducted research in recent years into the protection of refugees and migrants on the island and intends to continue monitoring developments in the coming period.
Among the issues discussed were revisions to Curaçao’s policy concerning Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), the government’s approach toward undocumented migrants and a court ruling concerning the automatic detention of people who enter the country irregularly.
Article 3 of the ECHR prohibits torture and inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment and is particularly relevant in cases involving the possible removal or deportation of people to countries where they could face such treatment.
The meeting also addressed developments in relations between the United States and Venezuela and their potential consequences for migration and international protection in Curaçao.
Oudshoorn and De Paula are visiting Curaçao not only to discuss Amnesty International’s work but also to obtain an updated picture of developments on the island.
Their visit comes as migration and the treatment of undocumented migrants remain subjects of discussion in Curaçao. Earlier this week, representatives of Amnesty International Netherlands also met with the Justice Committee of the Curaçao Parliament, where the organization discussed its 2026–2030 Multi-Year Strategy, its work on human rights and issues concerning undocumented migrants.