WILLEMSTAD – Curaçao risks falling behind other parts of the Kingdom in tackling poverty, as recommendations made years ago remain unimplemented while progress has been achieved elsewhere.
The Ombudsman has highlighted that while Curaçao has yet to act on proposals submitted in 2022, other territories within the Kingdom have already taken concrete steps. On the BES islands, for example, a legal aid office has been established to support citizens with access to justice and equal treatment.
The contrast has become a central point of concern in the Ombudsman’s latest communication to the government. The proposals in question stem from a Kingdom conference on poverty, where Curaçao participated alongside other territories.
Among the recommended measures were the creation of debt assistance programs, strengthening of the social safety net, and improving access to education and healthcare for vulnerable groups. These initiatives were intended to address structural poverty across the region.
Despite the shared starting point, implementation has diverged significantly. While the BES islands have moved forward with tangible initiatives, Curaçao has yet to respond formally to the proposals.
The Ombudsman emphasized that poverty on the island affects a large segment of the population and requires urgent, coordinated action. The continued delay raises concerns not only about policy execution but also about Curaçao’s position within broader Kingdom efforts to address social inequality.
The issue is expected to gain further political traction as pressure mounts on the government to explain the lack of progress and outline a clear path forward.