Strasbourg and Human Rights: Minister Tackling Defends St. Martin’s Justice Reforms
Compliance Isn’t Abstract How International Standards Shape Daily Life in St. Martin
Strasbourg and Human Rights: Minister Tackling Defends St. Martin’s Justice Reforms
Speaking Up for St. Martin on the Global Human Rights Stage
From June 10th to 12th, 2025, Justice Minister Nathalie Tackling traveled to Strasbourg, France, to represent St. Martin at the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe — a body closely tied to the European Court of Human Rights. It was a historic visit. For the first time since the Corallo judgment of 2018, a sitting Minister of Justice from St. Martin personally addressed the committee in Strasbourg.
Her message was clear: St. Martin is not hiding. We are confronting past issues head-on — and committing to real reform.
Revisiting the Corallo Case: A Turning Point
Many residents still recall the Corallo case, a landmark human rights judgment that found serious deficiencies in detention conditions in St. Martin. That case triggered what’s called an enhanced follow-up procedure. Under this process, the Kingdom of the Netherlands — including St. Martin — must provide regular updates every 3 to 6 months. These updates show how the country is addressing the European Court’s recommendations.
But up until this visit, most communications were virtual or written. Minister Tackling’s physical presence in Strasbourg broke that pattern. And it made an impression.
“If I had a dollar for every time someone told me they were grateful a minister showed up in person,” she joked, “we could’ve funded more police officers or sped up prison renovations.”
Commitments Beyond Words
Minister Tackling used her platform to do more than speak — she shared tangible updates:
- The new prison project is moving forward
- Collaborations with UNOPS and UNODC are in progress
- Key rehabilitation and reintegration programs are being restored
- St. Martin is reaffirming its compliance not just in word, but in measurable action
She didn’t sugarcoat the situation. Tackling acknowledged the road ahead remains long. But she emphasized that progress is real — and accelerating.
A Message of Accountability and Hope
By attending in person, Minister Tackling demonstrated that accountability doesn’t mean shame — it means progress. Strasbourg wasn’t about defending mistakes. It was about showing that St. Martin takes its justice responsibilities seriously, especially when people’s fundamental rights are involved.
“We don’t run from scrutiny. We respond to it. We own it,” she stated boldly.
The Follow-Up Procedure, Compliance Fatigue, and Staying the Course.