The names of around 425,000 individuals believed to have collaborated with the Nazis during the German occupation of the Netherlands have been published online for the first time by the Dutch National Archives. This database represents people who were investigated by a special legal framework established towards the end of World War II, revealing a facet of history that continues to impact the Netherlands.
Of the individuals listed, over 150,000 faced various sanctions as a result of their suspected collaboration. Prior to this, detailed records from the Dutch National Archives in The Hague were only accessible on-site, presenting obstacles for researchers and historians. The Huygens Institute, involved in digitizing this archive, remarked that the collection contains vital narratives relevant for both current and future generations. It offers insights for family members seeking to understand their relatives' actions during the war and for historians delving into the complexities of wartime collaboration.
The archive encompasses files related to war criminals, including approximately 20,000 Dutch nationals who joined the German forces, members of the National Socialist Movement (NSB), along with individuals who were exonerated. However, the database strictly includes the names of suspects along with their birth details, while omitting specifics about their guilt or the nature of collaboration—information that will have to be requested through the National Archives in person.
Concerns have emerged regarding the implications of publicly disclosing sensitive historical data, as many fear the potential backlash stemming from this revelation. Rinke Smedinga, whose father was associated with the NSB and worked at the notorious Camp Westerbork, expressed apprehension about possible “nasty reactions” to the publication. Tom De Smet, Director of the National Archives, acknowledged the need to consider the impact on heirs of both collaborators and victims of Nazi occupation.
Culture Minister Eppo Bruins reaffirmed the importance of archival transparency in confronting the Netherlands' challenging history, aiming to foster societal healing. However, the scope of information available online remains limited due to privacy protections. Bruins has indicated a desire to amend existing laws to expand public access. Notably, individuals who are still living are not included in the online database to safeguard their privacy.
Of the individuals listed, over 150,000 faced various sanctions as a result of their suspected collaboration. Prior to this, detailed records from the Dutch National Archives in The Hague were only accessible on-site, presenting obstacles for researchers and historians. The Huygens Institute, involved in digitizing this archive, remarked that the collection contains vital narratives relevant for both current and future generations. It offers insights for family members seeking to understand their relatives' actions during the war and for historians delving into the complexities of wartime collaboration.
The archive encompasses files related to war criminals, including approximately 20,000 Dutch nationals who joined the German forces, members of the National Socialist Movement (NSB), along with individuals who were exonerated. However, the database strictly includes the names of suspects along with their birth details, while omitting specifics about their guilt or the nature of collaboration—information that will have to be requested through the National Archives in person.
Concerns have emerged regarding the implications of publicly disclosing sensitive historical data, as many fear the potential backlash stemming from this revelation. Rinke Smedinga, whose father was associated with the NSB and worked at the notorious Camp Westerbork, expressed apprehension about possible “nasty reactions” to the publication. Tom De Smet, Director of the National Archives, acknowledged the need to consider the impact on heirs of both collaborators and victims of Nazi occupation.
Culture Minister Eppo Bruins reaffirmed the importance of archival transparency in confronting the Netherlands' challenging history, aiming to foster societal healing. However, the scope of information available online remains limited due to privacy protections. Bruins has indicated a desire to amend existing laws to expand public access. Notably, individuals who are still living are not included in the online database to safeguard their privacy.
