Now that the Dutch cabinet under Dick Schoof faces a political collapse, one of the most painful and unresolved issues risks being buried once again: the Toeslagen Affair. A scandal in which thousands of families—including victims in Curaçao—were systematically targeted by racial profiling, bureaucratic cruelty, and institutional failure.
With the cabinet possibly falling or continuing in a caretaker role until after the elections, we face the real danger that this case will be quietly shelved. And once again, those who have suffered the most—the forgotten ones—will be the ones paying the price.
Political Paralysis Means More Suffering
From June to November 2025, Dutch politics will be inward-focused: campaigning, elections, coalition negotiations. Meanwhile, the victims are still waiting. In Curaçao, those affected by this affair—some of them still without compensation or legal clarity—may now face indefinite delays. More silence. More emotional erosion.
Caretaker governments often hide behind the phrase “we are not empowered to take controversial decisions.” But how much more controversial can justice become? What is more urgent than restoring dignity to families who lost their children, homes, and livelihoods to bureaucratic violence?
Colonial Silences Still Echo
Within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, a double standard still prevails. In the European Netherlands, the Toeslagen scandal has been widely investigated, reported, and debated. But in Curaçao and other Caribbean parts of the Kingdom, there has been deafening silence. No national hearings. No consistent media coverage. No pressure from local parliaments.
Will we now allow yet another Dutch political crisis to serve as an excuse for further neglect?
Not in Our Name
What this moment demands is not another commission, but moral courage—the courage to declare: this affair cannot be paused. Not in the name of political expedience. Not when Curaçaoan lives were directly harmed.
We call on:
The Parliament of Curaçao to formally urge the Dutch House of Representatives to continue this case without delay.
The media to amplify the voices of victims in the Caribbean.
Legal professionals to provide urgent support to those still fighting for recognition.
And all citizens, faith communities, and civic groups to unite under the powerful moral message:
“We know how they treated our children. Not in our name.”
Without Justice, Distrust Grows
If this affair is allowed to die in bureaucratic silence, without truth or justice, the damage will go far beyond finances. It will signal to many that Black and brown lives outside the European mainland remain invisible to the law—and to the conscience of the Kingdom.
It’s not too late to prevent that.
Tico Vos
Communicator, documentarian, and civic journalist – Nos Ke Sa Initiative
Website: www.manuelcarlospiar.com
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