Wednesday, 3 July 2013 - 07:53
Ceremony for Slavery Victims
During the ceremony commemorating the anniversary of the Netherlands' prohibition of slavery, Social Affairs Minister Lodewijk Asscher expressed a "deep regret," according to UPI.
The National Slavery Monument (2002) by Surinam artist Erwin de Vries (1929)
Joop Reuvecamp/flickr "I look back and express deep regret and repentance over how the Netherlands dealt with human values," he said. Dutch Surinamese wanted him to issue an apology to those who suffered from slavery. They were also disappointed at the royal couple for not placing a wreath on the monument, which was unveiled by the Queen Beatrix more than a decade ago. Amsterdam Mayor Eberhard van der Laan, who was in attendance at the ceremony said, "This history fills us with shame." King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima were also present. The Netherlands was one of the final western nations to put an end to slavery.
Joop Reuvecamp/flickr "I look back and express deep regret and repentance over how the Netherlands dealt with human values," he said. Dutch Surinamese wanted him to issue an apology to those who suffered from slavery. They were also disappointed at the royal couple for not placing a wreath on the monument, which was unveiled by the Queen Beatrix more than a decade ago. Amsterdam Mayor Eberhard van der Laan, who was in attendance at the ceremony said, "This history fills us with shame." King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima were also present. The Netherlands was one of the final western nations to put an end to slavery.
