THE HAGUE – With the establishment of the Foundation Commemoration Committee for Slavery Past, the government has taken an important step in fulfilling its commitments regarding the history of slavery. 

The Commemoration Committee will play a central role in the national and kingdom-wide remembrance of the slavery past and in promoting societal awareness on this topic. This was stated by Minister Uitermark (Interior and Kingdom Relations), on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Education, Culture, and Science, in a letter to the Dutch House of Representatives today.

The Commemoration Committee consists of members from different parts of the Kingdom. With the official establishment of the foundation, the nominated members have become the first board members of the committee. Astrid Elburg has been appointed as the chair, nominated by the Minister of the Interior. Other members include Nolly Oleana from Bonaire, Shamil Ortega from Curaçao, Clara Reyes from Sint Maarten, Raimie Richardson from Sint Eustatius, Dimetri Whitfield from Saba, and Lilian Callender representing NiNsee, the National Institute for Dutch Slavery History and Heritage. The addition of representatives from Aruba and Suriname is currently in progress.

Starting this year, the Commemoration Committee will organize the National Commemoration of the Slavery Past on July 1 in Amsterdam, working closely with NiNsee. Operating as an independent foundation without political influence, the committee ensures an inclusive approach that embraces diverse perspectives and initiatives. 

Continuing dialogue

In addition to its role in organizing commemorations, the committee will also contribute to continuing the dialogue on the slavery past and encouraging projects and initiatives that further explore this history.