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Verdonk backs code of conduct to bolster Dutch ID
Immigration and Integration Minister Rita Verdonk favours the introduction of a code of conduct for the public to emphasise Dutch identity, including speaking Dutch in the street, non-discrimination and equality between men and women.Verdonk outlined her ideas to a congress of JOVD, the youth wing of the Liberal Party (VVD) on Saturday. The leadership of the JOVD said afterwards the organisation absolutely rejected the idea. The VVD minister has been inspired by the unveiling late last week of the Rotterdam Code, a charter for daily conduct consisting of seven points for residents of the port city. The Rotterdam Code states Dutch should be spoken on the street and in the home as much as possible. The charter is the response of Leefbaar Rotterdam (LR) party to a series of 'Islam debates' held in the city last year. The LR, the dominant member on the coalition ruling Rotterdam, felt suggestions drawn up by others were not far-reaching enough. Minister Verdonk said on Saturday a similar code for integration and citizenship should be introduced nationwide. She plans to sit down with experts to see "what's important, what the Dutch identity is". Allochtonen (the Dutch definition of residents of a non-Dutch background) are often not clear on what is expected of them when they settle in the Netherlands, Verdonk said. They should also be more pro-active and complain if faced with discrimination. Posted by: lotp 2006-01-23 |
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