Indigenous Peoples' Day commemorated in The Hague and Suriname

Events in The Hague and Suriname marked the International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples on August 9. In The Hague, a ceremony was held at the Slavery Monument on the Lange Voorhout to focus on themes of culture, visibility, and recognition.

Rabin Baldewsingh, the National Coordinator against Discrimination and Racism, addressed the gathering, noting that Indigenous communities, particularly in Suriname, continue to face inequality and pressure regarding their traditional lands. He emphasized that "recognition is not a favor" and called for the protection of fundamental rights and human dignity.

In Suriname, the VHP party issued a statement honoring both Indigenous peoples and the 136th anniversary of Javanese immigration. The VHP acknowledged that the collective rights of Indigenous peoples must be legally regulated to ensure the protection of their environments and natural resources. The statement also commemorated the history and cultural contributions of the Javanese community, which arrived in 1890.