THE HAGUE - In the week of January 24, the Dutch House of Representatives will debate with, among others, Prime Minister Mark Rutte and Minister of the Interior and Kingdom Relations Hanke Bruins Slot about the apologies made by the cabinet for the Dutch slavery past and an awareness fund to be set up.
Despite the objections in Antillean and Surinamese circles, Rutte apologized on December 19 during a speech from the National Archives that could be followed via a live stream. Ministers were present in all Caribbean parts of the Kingdom and Suriname to explain the speech and to enter into discussions with organizations that have provided input to the Slavery History Dialogue Group.