What do you think should come after the comma? What does restoration mean to you?
Share your opinion with us by completing the questionnaire.
In December 2022, Prime Minister Rutte offered apologies on behalf of the Dutch state and acknowledged that slavery was a "crime against humanity." Apologies have also been offered by the cities of Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht, The Hague, the province of North Holland, and the Dutch Central Bank (DNB). The made apologies are a historic milestone, but what's next? Prime Minister Rutte said, "We are not writing a full stop, but a comma." This was a quote from artist Serana Angelista.
The path to restoration is still unclear because there haven't been discussions (yet) about measures of restoration or reparations. This is despite the fact that during the abolition of slavery, it was not the victims but the perpetrators of slavery who received a form of ‘compensation.’
The path to restoration is still unclear because there haven't been discussions (yet) about measures of restoration or reparations. This is despite the fact that during the abolition of slavery, it was not the victims but the perpetrators of slavery who received a form of ‘compensation.’
Are you in favor of reparations? Tell us why:
Apologies, and then?
On July 1, 2023, we commemorate the 150/160 year anniversary of the abolition of slavery. On July 1, 1863, slavery was abolished on paper. However, enslaved individuals in Suriname had to continue working until 1873. The "freed" individuals were left empty-handed, and the impact of the history of slavery is still tangible and visible to this day.
The apologies are an important historical step, but not sufficient. Descendants of enslaved individuals have the right to repair (reparations). The Dutch government has previously pursued restorative justice and provided compensation to victims and their descendants for atrocities. The implementation of the comma can only happen if there is also a discussion about restorative justice and reparations for trans-Atlantic slavery and its ongoing impact in the present.
On July 1, 2023, we commemorate the 150/160 year anniversary of the abolition of slavery. On July 1, 1863, slavery was abolished on paper. However, enslaved individuals in Suriname had to continue working until 1873. The "freed" individuals were left empty-handed, and the impact of the history of slavery is still tangible and visible to this day.
The apologies are an important historical step, but not sufficient. Descendants of enslaved individuals have the right to repair (reparations). The Dutch government has previously pursued restorative justice and provided compensation to victims and their descendants for atrocities. The implementation of the comma can only happen if there is also a discussion about restorative justice and reparations for trans-Atlantic slavery and its ongoing impact in the present.
