WILLEMSTAD – Combating poverty in Curaçao is not merely a matter of political choice but part of the government’s legal responsibility toward the population, according to the Advisory Council (Raad van Advies) in its latest annual report covering 2025.
The Council argues that policies aimed at safeguarding people’s basic living conditions cannot remain limited to studies, analyses and policy documents. Concrete action is needed, supported by cooperation between government, the private sector and civil society organizations.
According to the Advisory Council, social fundamental rights place responsibilities on the government to address socioeconomic problems affecting the population. Poverty reduction and income security should therefore be treated as matters requiring sustained government attention rather than optional policy priorities.
The Council also raises concerns about the quality of legislation in Curaçao.
In particular, legislative initiatives submitted by members of the Curaçao Parliament still too often contain errors, ambiguities or other shortcomings. The Advisory Council suggests introducing clearer guidelines to help MPs prepare legislation that meets appropriate legal and technical standards.
The government itself also comes under criticism.
According to the Council, ministries too frequently request urgent advice without sufficiently explaining why expedited treatment is necessary. Such requests can put pressure on the advisory process and make it more difficult to conduct the thorough legal assessment required for proposed legislation.
Another concern involves substantial changes made to draft legislation after it has already been submitted to the Advisory Council.
The Council says that when the government makes significant amendments after receiving or requesting advice, the revised legislation should be submitted to the advisory body again. Major changes can alter the legal implications of a proposal and therefore require renewed scrutiny.
The observations in the 2025 annual report highlight two broader concerns for Curaçao: whether the government is doing enough to fulfill its responsibilities regarding social and economic security, and whether the country's legislative process provides sufficient safeguards to ensure that new laws are clear, legally sound and properly reviewed.