THE HAGUE, WILLEMSTAD – The Dutch government is facing growing criticism after admitting it failed to consult the Caribbean countries within the Kingdom before a sensitive United Nations vote on the trans-Atlantic slave trade.
The controversy centers around a UN resolution adopted in March that described the trans-Atlantic slave trade as “the most serious crime against humanity” in history. Roughly two-thirds of UN member states voted in favor of the resolution.
The Kingdom of the Netherlands abstained from the vote, together with 51 other countries.
Dutch Foreign Minister Caspar Veldkamp has now acknowledged that communication with the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom should have been handled better.
In comments to Dutch media, Veldkamp admitted that the Caribbean countries were not sufficiently involved beforehand and stated that the Dutch cabinet intends to pay greater attention to such consultations in the future.
The Netherlands previously defended its abstention by arguing that the international community should avoid creating what it called a “hierarchy of historical atrocities.” The Dutch government also expressed objections to applying international law retroactively to historical events.
Criticism Within the Kingdom
The issue has sparked criticism across the Kingdom because the Caribbean countries — including Curaçao, Aruba, and Sint Maarten — are directly connected to the history of slavery and colonialism.
Under Kingdom arrangements, the Netherlands is expected to consult the Caribbean countries on international matters that directly affect them, particularly issues tied to their colonial history.
Political scientist and Kingdom relations expert Wouter Veenendaal reportedly described the lack of consultation as morally inappropriate.
On Curaçao, former Prime Minister Suzy Camelia-Römer has already submitted written questions to the cabinet of Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas.
Camelia-Römer called the situation unacceptable and is demanding a broader political debate on the matter.
Political Tensions Also Emerging in Aruba
The controversy is also causing political tensions in Aruba.
Opposition leader Evelyn Wever-Croes expressed surprise that the Dutch government took such an international position without first consulting the Caribbean partners within the Kingdom.
According to Wever-Croes, the Kingdom cannot credibly present a unified international position on slavery-related matters while excluding the Caribbean countries most historically affected by slavery and colonialism.
Sensitive Timing After Dutch Slavery Apologies
The issue is particularly sensitive because the Netherlands has spent recent years publicly acknowledging and apologizing for its role in the trans-Atlantic slave trade and slavery.
Former Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte formally apologized on behalf of the Dutch state in December 2022 for the Netherlands’ role in slavery.
Later, during the 2023 Keti Koti commemoration, Willem-Alexander also apologized and asked for forgiveness for the suffering caused by slavery.
The current controversy now raises broader questions about how the Kingdom handles consultation, equality, and representation on internationally sensitive historical issues involving the Caribbean parts of the Kingdom.
Analysts say the dispute could further intensify ongoing debates about autonomy, colonial legacies, and the balance of power within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.