The recommendations of the committee against racial discrimination have been partially implemented, The Netherlands wrote in a report to the United Nations (UN).

 

In 2010 the UN was concerned about the integration of non-western immigrants, discrimination on the labour market and segregation in education. One of the recommendations of the UN was to finally present the long promised national action plan against racism to prevent increasing polarisation.

 

"The Dutch Government finds it very important that all citizens have equal possibilities to develop themselves and be successful. The Netherlands finds discrimination and racism unacceptable," the report stated.

 

The document also contains detailed information on the situation in Curaçao, Aruba and St. Maarten. With regard to Curaçao the controversial 80/20 regulation is mentioned, which compels businesses to employ 80 per cent local workers.

 

A comparison is drawn with a return-regulation for citizens from Curaçao, Aruba and St. Maarten who live in The Netherlands. "The discussion on both is whether there's a question of discrimination." A final proposal for the 80/20-regulation remains forthcoming.

The report further mentions that Curaçao doesn't have a specific anti-discrimination legislation, but there's the possibility to institute legal proceedings or lodge complaints with the Ombudsman. St. Maarten and Aruba do have anti-discrimination legislation.

 

The report explicitly mentions that The Netherlands has ratified most of the international treaties against discrimination, with the exception of a treaty for foreign employees and their families. "The Netherlands has an objection to that part of the treaty stating that equal provisions are to be made available for migrants without a legal residence status and/or employment. They don't pay any tax or contributions with which social services are paid and moreover are not insured for such," according to government.

 

Too large a claim on the social services is also one of the reasons for the private member's bill for residence requirements in The Netherlands for inhabitants from Curaçao, Aruba and St. Maarten.

 

Regarding integration, government wrote it will emphasise the own responsibility of migrants. Integration courses are to be paid by the migrants and if possible also followed in the country of origin. This way, migrants will be better prepared, according to government, while referring to an evaluation of the policy.

 

Regarding discrimination on the labour market -a constant source of concern within the Caribbean community in The Netherlands- it's stated that the responsibility largely lies with employers and temporary employment agencies, but that the Ministry of Social Services and Employment has consulted with the various parties involved and there's the willingness to discourage discrimination. Furthermore, developments in this field are carefully being charted.