WILLEMSTAD – An international conference focusing on sustainable recovery for Caribbean victims of the Dutch childcare benefits scandal will be held on March 21 at the Norman de Palm Theater.
The event, titled “Sustainable Recovery for Caribbean Victims,” will bring together policymakers, researchers, civil society organizations and affected families to discuss the long-term consequences of the scandal for Caribbean communities within the Kingdom and in the diaspora.
The conference addresses the impact of the Dutch childcare benefits scandal, which saw thousands of families wrongly accused of fraud in the administration of childcare allowances. According to the organizers, Caribbean families were also heavily affected, facing institutional discrimination, financial hardship and lasting social consequences.
Central to the discussions will be how the Kingdom of the Netherlands can work toward meaningful and sustainable recovery for those affected. Participants are expected to explore issues such as recognition of the harm done, improvements in government policy and more effective implementation of compensation and recovery programs.
Approximately 200 invited guests are expected to attend the conference, including international participants as well as representatives of governments and social organizations.
The program will include an international policy dialogue on recovery efforts within the Kingdom. Cultural activities will also form part of the event, including the theatre production “Toegeslagen / wij gaan door” and a photo exhibition titled “Portraits of Resilience,” highlighting the stories of Caribbean victims.
The conference is being organized by the Minority’s Foundation / Institute for Minorities. According to the invitation, the initiative aims to position Curaçao as a platform for dialogue and cooperation on justice, recovery and legal protection within the Kingdom.