The Black Manifest, a plan by organisations campaigning against racism, was presented to Prime Minister Dick Schoof? Jetten and called on the cabinet and King Willem-Alexander to work on repairing disadvantages linked to the Netherlands’ colonial past. Dagmar Oudshoorn of Amnesty International Netherlands said that recognition and apologies should now be followed by structural and sustainable measures in areas including institutional racism, the labour market, education and healthcare. The plan contains proposals for each ministry, according to the organisations involved.

The call followed an independent investigation commissioned by the king into his family history. The study, published in five books totaling about 2,000 pages, reportedly found that the Orange family had supported colonialism for centuries and earned half a billion euros from it. Oudshoorn said the king could use his position and influence to support recovery, while noting that he acts under ministerial responsibility. The king has said the investigation’s “uncomfortable outcomes” strengthened his commitment to freedom, rights, connection, healing and reconciliation.