News item | 16-08-2022 | 16:56
The Ministers of Justice of the Kingdom of the Netherlands meet twice a year to discuss a common approach to, among other things, organized crime, migration and border security. On Monday 15 August 2022, this so-called Four-Party Judicial Consultation (JVO) took place in The Hague with the Ministers of Justice Tjon (Aruba), Hato (Curaçao), Yeşilgöz-Zegerius (Netherlands) and Richardson (Sint Maarten).
Migration
An effective migration policy and reinforced border control in accordance with international obligations is of great importance for the entire Kingdom. As a result of the large influx of migrants from Venezuela since 2014, increasing attention is being paid to the issue of migrants in the countries, including the return of migrants. During the JVO agreements were made to cooperate more intensively in the field of return and repatriation. The aim is to establish a strong cooperation network that promotes a humane, transparent and efficient return process, with a special focus on sustainable reintegration and voluntary return. Agreements have also been made about the evacuation of children during and after a natural disaster within the Kingdom, in order to be able to evacuate children quickly, safely and with sufficient guarantees. This is particularly important to prevent child abductions and situations such as in 2017 after Hurricane Irma where children were moved without proper registration.
Coast Guard Judicial Policy Plan
The Caribbean Coastguard carries out investigative activities, combats human trafficking and smuggling and the transport of illegal goods, and cooperates in the fight against terrorism. Important activities in cooperation with partners to keep the area safe and to intercept regional illegal flows. New guidelines for these justice tasks of the Coast Guard have been sealed by the ministers in the JVO so that the exchange of information and sharing of knowledge and specialisms is improved.
Cooperation fire brigade CAS-BES
In addition, a new cooperation agreement has been concluded between the fire brigades Aruba, Curaçao, Sint Maarten and the BES. This will continue the successful cooperation in the field of training and crisis management for another 3 years.
Goal semi-annual meeting
The aim of the six-monthly consultations is to agree on a joint, coordinated approach to the common judicial affairs of the countries. During the consultations, Minister Yeşilgöz-Zegerius also represents the interests of the Caribbean Netherlands: Bonaire, Saba and St. Eustatius. The next JVO will take place in January 2023 in Aruba.