Ieteke recalls: ‘Refugees had nowhere to go in Curaçao’

Why did you co-found Human Rights Defense Curaçao?

'From as early as 2015, many refugees from Venezuela were arriving in Curaçao. But after the forced departure of UNHCR in July 2017, there was no organisation left where they could turn for protection or information. That’s when I, together with other concerned citizens, decided to take action.'

'As an anthropologist, I had spent years researching the historical ties between Venezuela and Curaçao. Suddenly, Venezuelans I knew were literally standing on my doorstep. They were fleeing violence and the country’s political and humanitarian crisis. We started by writing letters to the authorities here and in The Hague to raise awareness of the situation. Eventually, on the advice of our current chair, Lucita Moenir Alam, we decided to establish HRDC. We aimed to stand up for human rights in Curaçao, starting with the most vulnerable people arriving on the island without any legal protection – and who are often wrongly detained. The Dutch Council for Refugees supported us in those early stages, as well as in the years that followed, helping us set up and structure the organisation.'

What have you achieved in recent years?

'Although there are still significant shortcomings in the protection and procedures for refugees and migrants on the island, HRDC has helped bring much greater attention to their situation, and we’ve been able to make a real difference in many people’s lives.'

'For example, through summary proceedings, we gained access to refugees and migrants in detention, allowing us to provide humanitarian and legal support. We also succeeded in setting up a pool of ten lawyers and, with the help of the Dutch Council for Refugees and UNHCR, trained them so they can handle protection procedures. As a result, many refugees and migrants have been released from detention and are now able to await their procedures in freedom. Together with the Dutch Council for Refugees, we also organised training courses for judges on the European Convention on Human Rights and human smuggling. You can now see the impact of this in the way cases are being judged.'

We have succeeded in establishing an effective and independent human rights organisation in Curaçao

Ieteke

'Thanks to our advocacy efforts, undocumented people can now take out health insurance through two insurance providers. Schoolchildren without legal status are also now able to receive a diploma if they successfully complete their studies.'

'We have also succeeded in establishing an effective and independent human rights organisation in Curaçao. More people are now aware of the importance of human rights and are actively seeking information. And an increasing number of people – refugees, as well as authorities and members of parliament – are finding their way to our organisation.'

What do you see as the biggest challenge for the future?

'Curaçao still does not have a functioning migration policy, let alone a refugee policy. I find it deeply concerning that the same human rights standards do not seem to apply in Curaçao as in other countries within the Kingdom of the Netherlands.'

'Let’s not forget that nearly a quarter of the island’s population is undocumented – yet almost all of them are working, and most make a valuable contribution to our society. I truly hope we can bring about change so that, alongside access to protection procedures, people will also be able to obtain work permits. That is something we are actively lobbying for. The Dutch government cannot turn a blind eye to this, even though we recognise the significant challenges faced in the European part of the Kingdom. Curaçao has still not signed the Refugee Convention, which unfortunately means that different human rights standards apply within the Kingdom.'

Which stories have affected you the most in recent years?

'Those are mainly the cases involving children. For example, there were two underage boys who arrived by boat to see their mother. Instead of being reunited with her, they were placed in a children’s home and sent back to Venezuela without hesitation. I found that absolutely heartbreaking. Even now, mothers are still being detained while their children are placed elsewhere.'

'In recent months, we’ve managed on several occasions to reunite children with their parents. Unfortunately, that doesn’t make us very popular with the authorities – and we are sometimes even accused of being complicit in human smuggling.'

How do you look back on your collaboration with the Dutch Council for Refugees?

'Well, in one word: positive. The Dutch Council for Refugees supported us from the very beginning in setting up and structuring the organisation, and has continued to provide us with legal expertise and capacity building.'

'It’s also encouraging that we worked together on a motion, adopted by the House of Representatives, calling on all governments within the Kingdom of the Netherlands to engage in dialogue with civil society and human rights organisations.'

How do you see the future of the organisation?

'Curaçao needs an independent human rights organisation – and HRDC can and should fulfil that role. We’ve already achieved a great deal. For HRDC, securing multi-year funding is key, so we can retain staff more easily. The outlook is positive. We have a strong board and several young Curaçaoans who are truly committed. There is still so much to be done, especially in the areas of awareness and education – and that’s where I see a lot of opportunity and energy.'

'For me, it’s time to step back now, but I hand over the baton with great confidence. I’ll always remain involved as that ‘concerned citizen’.'