# Barryl Biekman
## Barryl A. Biekman

Dr. Barryl A. Biekman (born 1950) is a Surinamese-born Dutch politician, civil rights activist, and prominent advocate for the African diaspora. She is best known for her contributions to the implementation of the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action and her role in promoting the recognition of the African diaspora as the Sixth Region of the African Union.
She has been a key figure in the global fight against racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia, and related intolerance. In addition to her political career with the Dutch party Democrats 66 (D66), she has played a central role in organizations dedicated to reparatory justice, African unity, and the historical legacy of slavery.

## Early Life and Education

Biekman was born in 1950 in Paramaribo, Suriname. She later relocated to the Netherlands, where she pursued studies in pedagogy at Leiden University. In 2014, she earned her doctorate from the Faculty of Social Sciences at the Anton de Kom University of Suriname.

## Political Career

As a member of Democrats 66 (D66), Biekman became actively involved in Dutch politics in the mid-1970s. She served as a municipal coordinator for the cooperation between the Republic of Suriname and the municipality of The Hague (SSDH) and was elected as a member of the Provincial Council of South Holland.
During her tenure, she authored the initiative proposal *Diversity Policy: Ethnic Cultural Minorities*, a policy framework addressing inclusivity and representation within the South Holland province. Biekman also worked as a project leader for the **Logo South Country Program Suriname** of VNG International, the global cooperation arm of the Association of Dutch Municipalities.

## Activism and Advocacy

Biekman has been an influential figure in the international struggle for racial justice and reparations for slavery. She played a crucial role in the development and implementation of the **United Nations' Durban Declaration and Programme of Action**, which was adopted at the **2001 World Conference against Racism** in Durban, South Africa.
She has been a leading advocate for the **African Union’s recognition of the African diaspora as its Sixth Region**. Through her work with various organizations, she has facilitated deeper integration and collaboration between Africa and its global diaspora.

### Role in the United Nations

In December 2014, Biekman was appointed as the **global Civil Society Speaker** by the President of the **UN General Assembly** during the launch of the **International Decade for People of African Descent**. Her work continues to shape UN policies on racial justice and human rights.

### Leadership in Dutch and International Organizations

Biekman has held leadership roles in multiple organizations dedicated to recognizing and addressing historical injustices:
- **Chairperson of the National Platform Slavery Past (LPS)** – A coalition of member organizations advocating for reparations and historical recognition of Dutch slavery. - **Ghana-Suriname Chamber of Commerce** – Chairperson since 2020, strengthening ties between Ghana and the Surinamese diaspora. - **National Institute Dutch Slavery Past and Legacy (NiNsee)** – Formerly involved in NiNsee, which educates the public on Dutch colonial history and slavery. - **Afro-European Women's Movement Sophiedela** – Active participant in gender and racial equality initiatives.

### Reparatory Justice and Public Campaigns

Biekman has also been a prominent voice in **reparatory justice** efforts, advocating that reparations extend beyond financial compensation to include systemic policy changes.
- In **2013**, under her leadership, LPS formally addressed the Dutch government through the **UN High Commissioner for Human Rights** regarding the controversial racial stereotype of **Zwarte Piet (Black Pete)**. - In **2017**, she organized the petition **"Citizen Initiative for Reparations"**, calling for legislative recognition of the Dutch state's role in the transatlantic slave trade.

## Honors and Recognition

Biekman has received multiple awards for her longstanding commitment to civil rights and social justice, including:
* **Knight in the Order of Orange-Nassau (2000)** – Awarded by the Dutch Queen for her contributions to a multicultural society.
* **Officer in the Honorary Order of the Palm (2007)** – Granted by the Republic of Suriname.
* **Commander in the Honorary Order of the Yellow Star (Year Unknown)** – Recognition from Suriname.
* **Premio D. Emilio Castelar (2008)** – Awarded for her work in recognizing the impact of the transatlantic slave trade and advocating for reparations.
* **Key Contributor to the National Monument Slavery Past (2002)** – Played a pivotal role in establishing this monument in Amsterdam.

## Selected Bibliography

* **1998** – *Arbeidsmarkt naar een nieuw millennium: in- en doorstroom van zwarte, migranten en vluchtelingenvrouwen binnen arbeidsorganisaties*. Published in *BetOnberichten*.
* **2002** – *Gedenkboek realisatie van het Nationaal Monument Nederlands Slavernijverleden*. Chronicles the establishment of the National Slavery Monument.
* **2003** – *Zwarte vrouwen moeten hun emotionele strijd altijd extra uitleggen*. Published in *Amazone-post*.
* **2011** – *'Reparations' is meer dan geld geven*. Article in *Parbode* magazine.
* **2014** – *Competentiemanagement in Republiek Suriname*. Doctoral dissertation on competency management in Surinamese governance.
* **2018** – *Uitsluitingsmechanismen, Blaka tara en afrofobie: het belang van politieke wil en rechtvaardig bestuur*. Discusses exclusion mechanisms and Afrophobia in governance.

## Legacy and Continued Work

Biekman remains an ambassador and facilitator for various African diaspora organizations. She continues to advocate for the rights and recognition of people of African descent worldwide, ensuring that the commitments made in the Durban Declaration and other international human rights frameworks are upheld.

## See Also

* Durban Declaration and Programme of Action
* African diaspora
* Sixth Region of the African Union
* International Decade for People of African Descent
* National Monument Slavery Past
* National Institute Dutch Slavery Past and Legacy