During the National Remembrance of Slavery in Amsterdam, Mayor Femke Halsema sharply criticized those who downplay the severity and legacy of slavery. Halsema emphasized that a country that only acknowledges half of its history is a flawed country.

Strong Message Against Denial

In her speech at Oosterpark, Halsema referred to people who deny the pain and impact of the slavery past as “bystanders.” She criticized those who take pride in denying others’ suffering and questioned why they want to hinder progress. According to Halsema, pain that is denied cannot heal. She pointed to the dangerous influence of racist conspiracy theories, such as the replacement theory, and the belief in white superiority and xenophobia.

Halsema’s remarks were also a response to recent events, where several candidate ministers from the PVV had expressed views on these theories. Although the designated Minister for Asylum and Migration, Marjolijn Faber, has distanced herself from the replacement theory, the debate remains relevant.

Call for Unity

The mayor called for unity among people with different views on the slavery past. She stressed the importance of shared history and enriching our collective past by working together and acknowledging what has happened.

Speech by Minister Dijkgraaf

On behalf of the caretaker cabinet, outgoing Minister Robbert Dijkgraaf (Education, Culture, and Science) spoke. He addressed the ongoing pain and concerns among the descendants of enslaved people. Dijkgraaf urged for courage and dignity in jointly remembering and reflecting on the history of slavery.

Controversy Around House Speaker

A notable point during the commemoration was the absence of the House of Representatives in laying a wreath. For the first time in over twenty years, there was no representation from the House. Speaker of the House Martin Bosma agreed to withdraw his invitation after consultation with the slavery institute NiNsee. This decision stemmed from controversial statements by Bosma about the slavery past, leading to criticism and doubts about a dignified commemoration. Although NiNsee had urged for a replacement, none was sent. NiNsee Chair Linda Nooitmeer expressed regret in her speech about the absence of a representative from the House.

Recognition and Action Program

At the end of 2022, the caretaker Rutte IV cabinet acknowledged the Netherlands’ slavery past by offering apologies on behalf of the State. The cabinet also initiated an action program to address the legacy of slavery in the present. This initiative highlights the ongoing efforts to heal the scars of the past and promote an inclusive future.

National Remembrance

The national remembrance traditionally took place at the National Slavery Monument in Oosterpark. The ceremony’s highlight was two minutes of silence in memory of those enslaved by the Netherlands until the abolition of slavery 151 years ago. Representatives from various involved communities and the State laid wreaths in tribute.

The commemoration underscored the importance of recognition and understanding of the history of slavery and its impact on today’s society. Halsema’s powerful message and the ceremonies in Oosterpark mark an ongoing pursuit of justice and reconciliation in the Netherlands.