THE HAGUE – Political parties in the Netherlands are demanding clarity from the government after it abstained from voting on a United Nations resolution recognizing slavery and the trans-Atlantic slave trade as the “gravest crime against humanity.”
The resolution, introduced by Ghana and adopted this week by a large majority of UN member states, received support from 123 countries, while dozens of others — including several European nations — abstained.
The Dutch decision to abstain has triggered criticism from both sides of the political spectrum. Members of the centrist party D66 have submitted written questions to the government, seeking an explanation for the position taken and asking how the resolution could influence Dutch policy regarding its colonial and slavery past.
D66 MPs Mpanzu Bamenga and Heera Dijk said they want clarity on what the resolution means for the Netherlands and how it may translate into concrete policy, particularly in light of ongoing discussions about historical accountability and the legacy of slavery.
At the same time, the right-wing PVV has taken the opposite stance, criticizing the government for not voting against the resolution. PVV MP Raymond de Roon described the resolution in harsh terms, calling it “absurd” and “madness,” and also submitted written questions to the cabinet.
The resolution itself is not legally binding but carries significant political weight. It calls for greater recognition of the lasting consequences of slavery and encourages dialogue on reparations, including potential apologies, compensation, and other measures to address historical injustices.
European countries, including the Netherlands, have expressed concerns about certain legal aspects of the resolution, particularly the use of the term “gravest,” which could imply a hierarchy among crimes against humanity, and references that may suggest retroactive application of international law.
The debate comes as the Netherlands continues to grapple with its colonial past. In recent years, the Dutch government and King have formally apologized for the country’s role in slavery, but discussions on reparations and further policy measures remain politically sensitive.
The issue is expected to be debated further in the Dutch Parliament as political pressure mounts for the government to clarify its position.