THE HAGUE – Representatives of the NiNsee held talks at the Catshuis with Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten and several ministers regarding Dutch policy on the legacy of slavery and possible forms of reparatory justice.
Representing NiNsee at the meeting were chairwoman Linda Nooitmeer and director Bianca Groen Gallant. Representatives of the Herdenkingscomité Slavernijverleden and the Nationaal Slavernijmuseum also participated in the discussions.
According to NiNsee, the meeting focused heavily on the concept of reparatory justice. The organization emphasized that the issue goes beyond formal recognition of the trans-Atlantic slavery past and also includes structural investments, knowledge development, strengthening of the African diaspora, and international cooperation on reparations-related policies.
NiNsee referred to positions previously taken by the African Union and CARICOM, both of which have called for broader international discussions on reparatory measures linked to slavery and colonialism.
The CARICOM Ten-Point Plan for Reparatory Justice was also discussed during the meeting.
In addition, participants addressed a recent United Nations resolution introduced by Ghana concerning reparatory justice related to slavery. The resolution sparked international debate over the responsibilities of former colonial powers.
NiNsee also announced plans for an upcoming working visit to Ghana with a delegation. During the discussions, the organization reportedly suggested that Dutch minister Tom Berendsen visit Ghana later this year as well. According to NiNsee, the minister responded positively to the idea.
The meeting at the Catshuis follows earlier consultations between NiNsee and the former Dutch government led by Mark Rutte in the lead-up to the official Dutch government apology for slavery in 2022.
The discussions are part of continuing efforts within the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the Caribbean region to address the long-term social, economic, and historical consequences of slavery and colonialism.