Tech & Rights

Dutch Children's Ombudsman Receives Black Pete Threats

The Dutch ombudsman for children, Margrite Kalverboer, has received dozens of angry reactions and threats after she stated in her report that Black Pete in its current form is in conflict with the UN Convention on the...

by Nederlands Juristen Comité voor de Mensenrechten
(Image: Hans Splinter)

The Dutch ombudsman for children, Margrite Kalverboer, has received dozens of angry reactions and threats after she stated in her report that Black Pete in its current form is in conflict with the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. Discussions with children showed that the image of Black Pete can be hurtful and can contribute to bullying. Children should not be negatively affected by the annual feast of St. Nicholas, therefore Black Pete should be altered, says the children's ombudsman. Ard van der Steur, the minister of justice, has condemned the threats.


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