Baku Initiative Group blasts Netherlands for ongoing colonial tactics in Caribbean

The Dutch government has introduced a new programme to the country's parliament, following its approval by the Cabinet and it is now slated for debate and ratification by Parliament.

However, the Baku Initiative Group (BIG) has condemned the new programme presented by the Dutch government to the country's parliament, Caliber.Az reports, citing a statement by BIG.

“Our faint hope that the Netherlands, a colonial power for centuries, might finally begin to respect the rights to freedom and independence of the subjugated peoples in territories thousands of kilometres away from them, has not been fulfilled,” BIG has declared.

BIG also noted that the Netherlands continues to suppress the freedom of the peoples of six Caribbean nations—Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten, Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba.

 “The new programme asserts that legislative and strategic initiatives will be implemented in Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba, supposedly aimed at improving their welfare. Thus, the new Dutch Cabinet intends to continue its colonial policy,” BIG said.

According to BIG, although the government claims that some of these islands have autonomous status, in reality, these territories are completely dependent on the Netherlands. These islands were even removed from the UN list of territories subject to decolonisation.

The Baku Initiative Group has called on the Dutch government to honour the rights of peoples to self-determination and to refrain from hindering their quest for independence within international organizations.

Based in Baku, Azerbaijan, the Baku Initiative Group is a diplomatic and advocacy organisation focused on fostering dialogue and cooperation on issues related to colonised peoples, self-determination, and human rights.

It has been involved in creating safe spaces for dialogue, such as conferences on self-determination and the rights of colonised peoples.

In fact, BIG against French colonialism was formed to take decisive action against de facto slavery on the African continent and in various other regions worldwide. The statement adopted at the event calls for the complete eradication of colonialism and the promotion of autonomy and freedom for all colonised peoples.