Social structures from the time of slavery are still having an impact in Europe in the 21st century.
A commission in the Netherlands has now made some recommendations to the state.
Amsterdam - According to an independent commission for colonial slavery, the Netherlands must apologize and take an active part in combating the consequences such as racism.
Slavery is a crime against humanity, and the state must recognize the "historical injustice", said the commission set up on behalf of the government in its final report, which was presented on Thursday in Amsterdam.
Amsterdam was the first municipality in the country to apologize on Thursday for its active role in slavery.
Mayor Femke Halsema confessed that the capital was partly responsible for the system and worldwide slave trade.
At the commemoration, broadcast live on TV, the mayor said: “It is time to wall the great injustice of colonial slavery into the identity of our city.” The apology is rated as a significant step across the country.
On July 1, 1863, after almost 300 years, the Netherlands became one of the last countries to abolish slavery.
Every year on July 1st, the Netherlands and its former colonies, such as Suriname and the Antilles, commemorate the abolition of slavery.
According to the investigative commission, July 1st should be a national holiday.
The debate about coming to terms with the history of slavery was rekindled by the Black Lives Matter movement.
The commission also recommends addressing the racism in the country that is a result of slavery.
"The fight against institutional racism in the labor market, the housing market, education and among the police deserves special and urgent attention."
"It is clear that history cannot be turned back," the report said. “But you can express your willingness to make amends as far as possible for this historical injustice, which is experienced as injustice to this day and whose negative consequences can still be felt.” Dpa