THE NETHERLANDS | Ombudsmen of the Kingdom meet with the King of the Netherlands

His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands spoke with the ombudsmen of the Kingdom of the Netherlands on Wednesday afternoon, 30 October. It was the first time that the ombudsmen had a joint conversation with the King. The interview was part of King Willem-Alexander's visit to the National Ombudsman.

National ombudsman Reinier van Zutphen, ombudsman of Curaçao Keursly Concincion and ombudsman of Sint Maarten Gwendolien Mossel told the King what developments they see in their country. They discussed the relationship between citizen and government and the challenges they see. They also explained the role of their institution and the way in which they help the residents of the Kingdom with problems with the government. Sahaira Kelly was present on behalf of Aruba during the conversation with the King. She is preparing the establishment of an ombudsman for Aruba.

The ombudsmen of the Kingdom of the Netherlands meet annually. They then talk about developments within the Kingdom and exchange knowledge and experience. Their last meeting was in January 2019.

The Kingdom of the Netherlands consists of four countries: the Netherlands (including the islands of Bonaire, St. Eustatius and Saba in the Caribbean Netherlands), Curaçao, Sint Maarten and Aruba.

National ombudsman Reinier van Zutphen is also an ombudsman of the Caribbean Netherlands. Keursly Concincion is ombudsman of Curaçao and Gwendolien Mossel is ombudsman of Sint Maarten. There are advanced plans for establishing an ombudsman in Aruba.

Source: National Ombudsman of the Netherlands