Dutch Ministry of Culture Recommends the Restitution of Stolen Cultural Property to Former Colonies

On October 7, 2020, a Committee established by the Dutch Minister of Culture, Education, and Science  called for the return of cultural objects stolen from former colonies that are currently held in the Netherlands. The Committee’s recommendations highlight the impact of colonialism on local populations, including those in  the, Brazil, Guyana, French Guiana, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, and Suriname, and call for the Netherlands to rectify this “historical injustice,” and demand the unconditional return of stolen cultural objects.