The Suriname Committee for Reparations of the Slavery Past, led by Armand Zunder, is set to present a petition to the Surinamese government, Vice President Gregory Rusland, and National Assembly Chairman Ashwin Adhin on Wednesday. The petition will also be handed to Dutch Ambassador Walter Oostelbos. This initiative stems from extensive discussions among Surinamese organizations representing descendants of enslaved people and indigenous communities, supported by both local and international networks. In the Netherlands, consultations were held with groups such as the Federation Afro Diaspora Network and the National Reparation Commission Netherlands, led by Barryl Biekman, a prominent voice in the Dutch slavery debate. Zunder emphasized that the petition aims to uphold justice and truth, ensuring future generations are not burdened by unresolved historical grievances. He acknowledged King Willem-Alexander’s 2023 apology as a significant step but stressed the need for further dialogue on reparations, recognition, and reconciliation. The petition coincides with the upcoming state visit of the Dutch royal couple to Suriname, which Zunder sees as a pivotal moment to address the legacy of Dutch colonialism and slavery. The document outlines five key areas for reparations: restitution of stolen land and cultural artifacts, financial and moral compensation, rehabilitation of affected communities, acknowledgment of injustices, and guarantees against repetition. Zunder called for a formal moment of recognition and apology during the royal visit, urging a mature and respectful dialogue to heal historical wounds. He highlighted the ongoing socio-economic and cultural marginalization faced by descendants of enslaved people, tracing it back to the delayed emancipation and compensation paid exclusively to slaveholders in 1863. Zunder concluded by emphasizing the need for open and honest conversations to achieve true reconciliation and a future free from the shadows of guilt and shame.