THE HAGUE - Papiamento was officially recognized in the Netherlands under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages on Thursday, announced the Rijksdienst Caribisch Nederland. 

In 2021, the Administrative Agreement on Papiamento was made in Bonaire, noting that Papiamento was under increasing pressure from other languages, which could eventually lead to an undesirable weakening of the language. The agreement outlined a route for the recognition of Papiamento under the charter, both in Bonaire and the Netherlands. Two years later, this recognition has been achieved. 

The Charter is a Council of Europe treaty aimed at protecting minority languages traditionally present within the territory of a State. 

Recognition under the Charter can occur under either Part II or Part III. Part II offers broad protection for a language, requiring a state to remove any legal obstacles to its use. Part III goes further, requiring not only protection but also active promotion of the language. It includes agreements on the use of the language in education, legal proceedings, administrative matters, media, and the cultural sector. 

Papiamento was already recognized in January under Part III of the European Charter in Bonaire. This allows children on the island to receive education in Papiamento, and the language can also be used in legal proceedings in Bonaire.