THE HAGUE – The Dutch government has formally asked the governments of Curaçao, Aruba, and St. Maarten to introduce their own bans on goods originating from Israeli settlements that are considered illegal under international law.
The request comes ahead of a new Dutch trade ban that will take effect on September 21. However, the measure applies only in the European Netherlands and the Caribbean Netherlands municipalities of Bonaire, St. Eustatius, and Saba. It does not automatically extend to the Kingdom's three autonomous Caribbean countries.
According to the Dutch government, it is desirable that Curaçao, Aruba, and St. Maarten implement similar measures to ensure consistency in the Kingdom's foreign policy and compliance with international obligations relating to the occupied Palestinian territories.
Unlike the Caribbean Netherlands, the three autonomous countries have their own legal frameworks for implementing international sanctions. As a result, it is up to each government to decide whether to adopt comparable restrictions.
The Dutch government said it is prepared to cooperate with the three countries if assistance is needed in enforcing any future sanctions or addressing their practical consequences.
So far, none of the governments of Curaçao, Aruba, or St. Maarten has announced whether it intends to introduce a similar ban.
Curaçao already has its own National Sanctions Ordinance, while Aruba and St. Maarten also have domestic legislation allowing them to implement international sanctions. The Dutch government noted that implementation may differ between the countries, particularly if they have no trade or investment relationships with the Israeli settlements in question.
The request follows the publication of the Dutch sanctions decision on July 21. Unless extended or revoked earlier, the measure will remain in force for three years.