# Dutch colonial slavery commemoration efforts

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/dutch-colonial-slavery-commemoration-efforts
> Updated: 2026-10-02T11:37:38.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2.

In Zwolle, the municipality has begun developing a permanent memorial to commemorate the history of slavery, specifically addressing the trans-Atlantic slave trade and slavery in regions near present-day Indonesia. The project involves artists creating designs for community feedback and includes collaboration with an arts working group containing descendants of enslaved people. The city aims to acknowledge historical connections to the Dutch East India Company (VOC) and the Dutch West India Company (WIC).

Separately, historical research by Gert Oostindie has provided new context regarding the National Slavery Monument in Amsterdam. Findings from the Secret Archive of the Cabinet of the King suggest that former Queen Beatrix intended for the monument to focus on the end of slavery rather than the commemoration of its victims. The research indicates Beatrix expressed a preference against wreath-laying ceremonies and declined requests for herself or King Willem-Alexander to unveil the monument.

## Claims

- Former Queen Beatrix intended for the National Slavery Monument in Amsterdam to commemorate the end of slavery rather than the victims. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Beatrix's personal notes indicated a desire to avoid strong emotions and specifically requested no wreath-laying ceremonies. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Beatrix was not enthusiastic about the design of the National Slavery Monument. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The information was discovered through access to the Secret Archive of the Cabinet of the King. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-02: Beatrix sought to commemorate end of slavery, not victims

Historian Gert Oostindie reveals that former Queen Beatrix sought to commemorate the end of slavery, not its victims, at Amsterdam's National Slavery Monument.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/beatrix-sought-to-commemorate-end-of-slavery-not-victims

### 2026-09-13: Zwolle to establish permanent slavery history memorial

Zwolle is commissioning a permanent memorial to honor its colonial and slavery history, including both trans-Atlantic and Indonesian contexts, with artist designs to be reviewed by residents this November.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/zwolle-to-establish-permanent-slavery-history-memorial

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Cite as: Dutch colonial slavery commemoration efforts. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/dutch-colonial-slavery-commemoration-efforts