PRESS RELEASE
- Connie Arnoldus
- Apr 14
- 3 min read
FADN calls for concrete steps following apologies for slavery past
Amsterdam, 13 April 2026 – During a roundtable dialogue held on 11 April and organized by the Federation of Afro Diaspora Network (FADN), it was concluded that the recognition and apologies by the Dutch State and the Royal House for the slavery past must be translated into concrete and consistent policy measures.
The meeting was prompted, among other factors, by the Netherlands’ abstention in the vote on UN Resolution A/80/L.48, which recognizes the transatlantic slavery as the most serious crime against humanity. Participants discussed the implications of this position for the credibility of Dutch policy.
Central to the dialogue was the question of how recognition and apologies relate to tangible outcomes, and which follow-up steps are required towards a broadly supported National Reparatory Plan.
Speakers unanimously emphasized that unity and coordinated action are essential to strengthen political will and achieve sustainable progress.
FADN Chair Iwan Leeuwin underlined the importance of dialogue, cooperation, and knowledge-sharing as the foundation for a joint approach and a just future.
FADN Secretary Connie Arnoldus stated that apologies are only credible when accompanied by consistent action and coherent international positioning.
Keynote speaker Dr. Barryl A. Biekman – Chair of the National Platform on the Dutch Slavery Past and associated member of the CARICOM Reparations Commission, placed the discussion within an international legal framework. She highlighted the significance of UN Resolution A/80/L.48 as a normative foundation for reparatory justice. She emphasized that the Dutch apologies carry both moral and legal implications and called for concrete follow-up steps, including legal anchoring and further development of reparatory policies.
She further elaborated, with reference to relevant paragraphs and provisions on crime qualification and reparations, on the key differences between the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (2001) and UN Resolution A/80/L.48 (2026), in relation to the substantive statements of the Dutch Cabinet (2022) and the Royal House (2023) when issuing the apologies.
According to her, these Dutch statements essentially confirm the qualifications set out in Resolution A/80/L.48. In that context, the Netherlands’ abstention can be interpreted as inconsistent and as a reserved position regarding this recognition.
She stressed that a sincere apology requires support for appropriate legal and policy follow-up measures. In this regard, abstention cannot be regarded as merely neutral, but raises questions about the level of commitment to implementation.
Furthermore, she noted that although General Assembly resolutions are formally non-binding, Resolution A/80/L.48 can be considered a significant normative development within customary international law. This, according to her, provides a basis for stakeholders such as CARICOM, the African Union, and civil society to further position reparatory justice claims within an evolving legal framework.
Ms. Modi Ntambwe (Human Rights, Gender, Migration, Culture, Innovation & Development; EPAF-PAD Belgium Chapter) illustrated, through concrete examples, the strength and added value of unity within the African diaspora. She emphasized the importance of cooperation and joint strategic positioning by key actors and organizations.
In his intervention, His Excellency Ambassador Ricardo Panka reaffirmed the importance and necessity of pooling efforts. He referred to a process-oriented approach aligned with the framework outlined by Dr. Barryl Biekman, which resonates with the Dutch context, where the so-called “polder model” is internationally recognized as an effective instrument for consensus-building and cooperation.
Statement Federation of Afro Diaspora Network
The Federation notes that further steps are necessary to ensure that the recognition of the Dutch slavery past is fully reflected in policy and practice. Words and actions must demonstrably be brought into alignment.
As a connecting and coordinating platform, the Federation, in line with its objectives, is committed to bringing together and strengthening organizations and initiatives within the African diaspora. From this role, active efforts are made to consolidate forces, knowledge, and perspectives, aimed at effectively representing shared interests.
The Federation strives for a process in which, through unity and collective action, coordinated and structured efforts lead to concrete and sustainable outcomes. In this context, the focus is on the development of a broadly supported National Reparatory Plan, based on jointly defined priorities and themes.
A call is made for an approach in which communities, civil society organizations, and policymakers work together, with the aim of achieving a just and forward-looking process of redress.
For more information:
Iwan LeeuwinChair, Federation Afro Diaspora Network (FADN)
M: +31 6 83008961
End of press release
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