Brussels-The Hague: Europe and the Arabs
Commenting on the Dutch king's apology for his country's involvement in slavery. Louis Bueno, spokesman for the European Union in the Middle East and North Africa, said that colonialism and slavery are an integral part of our history in the European Union. "Recognizing the historical roots of racism is essential in combating racism today," he added, via his tweet on Twitter today.
The commemoration of the Dutch abolition of slavery and King Willem-Alexander's speech on this "Last Saturday" mark the beginning of a year of events to mark the 150th anniversary of July 1, 1873.
On the 150th anniversary of the abolition of slavery, King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands on Saturday made his official apology for his country's practice of slavery during the colonial era, on the 150th anniversary of the liberation of slaves in former colonies. According to the Euronews news site.
The Dutch monarch said: "I stand before you today as your king and as part of your government. Today I personally apologize," to applause from the audience, which included thousands of descendants of slaves in Suriname and the Aruba islands.
The King delivered his speech in the wake of Prime Minister Mark Rutte's submission of his country's apology last year for its role in the slave trade and slavery. It was not clear at the time whether Willem-Alexander intended to apologize on behalf of the royal family, for practices that researchers say have given it obscene wealth.
The king said, "The slave trade and slavery are a crime against humanity. The kings and rulers of the Orange-Nassau family have not taken any step against it... I ask forgiveness for inaction on the day we commemorate slavery in the Netherlands."
Many appealed to the king to apologize due to the symbolism that this issuance means. Linda Noetmeyer, head of the National Institute for the History and Legacy of Dutch Slavery, said that such a step is "important, especially because the Dutch community of African descent considers it important," adding to "NOS" that the step is necessary "to address the history of slavery."