UTRECHT--The Netherlands Institute for Human Rights has called on the Dutch government to ensure that residents of Bonaire, Saba and St. Eustatius receive protection from climate change equal to that provided to people in the European Netherlands.
The appeal is contained in the institute’s response to the draft National Climate Adaptation Strategy, which was presented in June 2026.
The institute welcomed the inclusion of Bonaire, Saba and St. Eustatius in the draft strategy, but said the document mainly proposes further examination of the situation and the measures needed.
It stressed that the urgency of the climate threat requires the government to establish a clear timeline for the three islands, including concrete actions through 2030.
According to the institute, such a timeline is necessary to reduce differences in the protection of human rights between residents of Bonaire, Saba and St. Eustatius and those living in the European Netherlands.
The institute said a climate plan has been prepared for Bonaire, but has not yet been made public. Climate plans for Saba and St. Eustatius are still lacking.
It therefore called on the Dutch government to support all three islands in preparing and publishing their climate plans.
Climate change can affect several basic rights, including the rights to life, health, housing, food, drinking water and a clean, healthy and sustainable living environment. The institute has repeatedly stressed that residents of small islands are particularly vulnerable to sea-level rise, extreme heat, flooding, drought and other climate-related effects.
The institute said climate adaptation policy must give particular attention to people who are more exposed to climate risks or have fewer resources to protect themselves.
It also stressed that residents must be properly informed about climate risks, involved in decision-making and given meaningful opportunities to hold the government accountable for its policies.
The call follows a January 2026 ruling by the District Court of The Hague, which found that the Dutch government had not done enough to protect Bonaire residents from climate change and had treated them unequally compared with residents of the European Netherlands.
The court ordered the government to develop and implement an effective adaptation plan for Bonaire addressing risks including extreme heat, flooding and sea-level rise. It also said residents must be informed, consulted and able to challenge government action where necessary.
The Netherlands Institute for Human Rights said the national government remains responsible for ensuring that climate measures for Bonaire, Saba and St. Eustatius are timely, effective and supported by adequate funding, expertise and administrative capacity.
It urged the government to move beyond further study and provide clear commitments, deadlines and measurable steps for protecting the three islands through 2030 and beyond.
