A Bold Apology: Dutch Government Condemns Treatment of Anton de Kom
A Life of Activism
PARAMARIBO, Suriname, CMC – The Dutch government has offered a formal apology to the children and relatives of Anton de Kom, a Surinamese anti-colonial resistance fighter who was banned from entering the Dutch-speaking Caribbean Community (CARICOM) country in 1932 due to his left-wing ideas and activities.
Dutch Foreign Affairs Minister Wopke Hoekstra apologized to the family for the suffering De Kom and his family experienced at the hands of the authorities.
A Lasting Legacy
As a result of the apology, the Dutch government has decided to establish a chair at the VU University Amsterdam, which will commence in the academic year 2023-2024. The chair, financed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, aims to honor the memory of De Kom and his body of work.
“Anton de Kom was a brave man who fought for justice, equality, and human dignity,” said Hoekstra. “He did that as an anti-colonial thinker and writer, activist, and resistance hero. Unfortunately, these were not the words the then authorities used to describe him.”
The Dutch government now acknowledges that De Kom was “impeded” in his activities, arrested in Suriname, and then put on a ship to the Netherlands. Despite this, Hoekstra emphasized that De Kom “gave his life for the Netherlands by joining the resistance during World War II.” He also highlighted De Kom’s contributions to Dutch and Surinamese history through his book “We Slaves of Suriname.”
The Life of Anton de Kom
De Kom, an anti-colonial activist, used his parents’ house in Paramaribo to offer his services to working-class members, informing marginalized groups and laborers of their rights. Large groups gathered around the house because De Kom was helping Javanese and Indians with their re-emigration.
However, on February 1, 1932, he was arrested en route to the office of Governor Bram Rutgers with a large group of followers. In the following days, large groups gathered before the Attorney General’s office to demand De Kom’s release.
On February 7, a large crowd gathered on the Oranjeplein, now called the Independent Square, amid rumors that De Kom would be released. When the group refused to follow instructions from the police to leave the square, they were fired upon, with two people being killed and several others injured.
De Kom was subsequently exiled to the Netherlands, where he wrote “Wij slaven van Suriname” (We Slaves of Surinam), an anti-colonial book. During World War II, he joined the resistance, was arrested, and sent to concentration camps, where he died.
Conclusion
The apology and the establishment of the chair at the VU University Amsterdam are significant steps towards acknowledging the injustices faced by De Kom and his family. His legacy serves as a reminder of the importance of standing up against oppression and fighting for human dignity.
FAQs
Q: Why is this apology significant?
A: This apology is significant because it acknowledges the injustices faced by De Kom and his family, and offers a formal recognition of his contributions to anti-colonial movements.
Q: What is the significance of the chair at the VU University Amsterdam?
A: The chair aims to honor the memory of De Kom and his body of work, and to provide a platform for further research and education on his life and legacy.
Q: Why is it important to recognize De Kom’s contributions?
A: Recognizing De Kom’s contributions is important because it sheds light on the struggles of anti-colonial movements and the importance of standing up against oppression. It also serves as a reminder of the value of human dignity and the importance of fighting for justice and equality.