King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands on Saturday apologized for his country’s role in slavery. He was delivering a speech on the abolition of slavery in Dutch colonies more than 150 years ago.
The king also asked for forgiveness from the formerly enslaved people.
Last year, Mark Rutte, the Dutch Prime Minister also apologized for Holland’s role in slavery and the slave trade. Several leaders in the West have expressed remorse for their countries’ role in starting and perpetuating slavery in the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement.
Sorry, says the king
The king while referring to the prime minister’s apology told a crowd consisting of guests and onlookers, “Today, I stand before you. Today, as your king and as a member of the government, I make this apology myself. And I feel the weight of the words in my heart and my soul.”
He also said that he had asked for a detailed report on the role of the Dutch royalty in slavery. Willem Alexander also asked for forgiveness from the victims’ families. “But today, on this day of remembrance, I ask forgiveness for the clear failure to act in the face of this crime against humanity,” the king added.
“Want more than just apologies”
Many onlookers were emotional after hearing the king’s speech. However, there were some who wanted reparations from the Dutch government to the victims’ descendants.
Reuters quoted DoeljaRefos, 28 as saying, “Honestly, I feel good, but I am still looking forward to something more than just apologies. Reparations, for example,”
Two groups, The Black Archives and Black Manifesto staged a march before the king’s speech on Saturday.
Michael Esajas of Black Manifesto said, “An apology should be tied to a form of repair and reparatory justice or reparations,”
Keep watching our YouTube Channel ‘DNP INDIA’. Also, please subscribe and follow us on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and TWITTER.
