Verenigde Naties wil dat Nederland Zwarte Piet aanpast

quote:

De Verenigde Naties wil dat Nederland Zwarte Piet aanpast. Volgens de VN is Zwarte Piet nu discriminerend en moet de overheid een actieve rol spelen in het aanpassen van de pieten.

Dat schrijft de VN in een rapport (pdf). De VN noemt Zwarte Piet discriminerend vanwege de typische kenmerken die verwijzen naar het slavernijverleden. Als optie noemt de VN om verschillende pieten te gebruiken.

quote:

Cultural traditions and racial discrimination
17. While the Committee understands that the tradition of Sinterklaas and Black Pete is
enjoyed by many persons in Dutch society, the Committee notes with concern that the
character of Black Pete is sometimes portrayed in a manner that reflects negative
stereotypes of people of African descent and is experienced by many people of African
descent as a vestige of slavery, which is injurious to the dignity and self-esteem of children
and adults of African descent. The Committee is concerned about the discriminatory effect
of such portrayals, which may convey a conception at odds with the Convention. The
Committee is furthermore concerned at reports that citizens seeking to peacefully protest
against such portrayals have been denied authorization to conduct such protests at a
meaningful time and place and have been subjected to violent attacks and other forms of
intimidation, which have not been adequately investigated. (arts. 2, 5 and 7).

18. Considering that even a deeply-rooted cultural tradition does not justify
discriminatory practices and stereotypes, the Committee recommends that the State
party actively promote the elimination of those features of the character of Black Pete
which reflect negative stereotypes and are experienced by many people of African
descent as a vestige of slavery. The Committee recommends that the State party find a
reasonable balance, such as a different portrayal of Black Pete and ensure respect of
human dignity and human rights of all inhabitants of the State party. The Committee
further recommends that the State party ensure non-discrimination in the enjoyment
of freedom of expression and association, and that attacks on protesters be effectively
investigated and duly prosecuted.