Fatshimetrie: A look back at the historic decision of the Brussels Court of Appeal condemning the Belgian State for crimes against humanity
The recent decision of the Brussels Court of Appeal condemning the Belgian State for crimes against humanity linked to the colonization of the Belgian Congo marked a major turning point in the recognition of the atrocities committed during this dark period of history. This case, brought by five mixed-race women born between 1948 and 1952, raises essential questions about Belgium’s colonial past and its tragic consequences on the Congolese populations.
The facts revealed during the trial reveal a systematic policy of racial segregation and abduction orchestrated by the Belgian colonial administration. These five women, Marie-Josée Loshi, Noëlle Verbeken, Léa Tavares Mujinga, Simone Ngalula and Monique Bintu Bingi, testified about their uprooting, the loss of their identity and their human rights when they were separated from their Congolese mothers and placed in religious institutions.
The outcome of this trial is a victory for the plaintiffs and for all those who fight for justice and recognition of colonial injustices. This judgment resonates as a call for accountability and reparation for crimes committed in the name of colonization. It highlights the importance of reparations, as defined by the United Nations, to recognize and repair the consequences of painful pasts.
This historic decision paves the way for new demands and a greater awareness of the lasting consequences of colonization on colonized populations. The engagement of human rights organizations, such as Amnesty International and the African Futures Lab, is crucial to support victims and advance justice and reconciliation.
Ultimately, the conviction of the Belgian state for crimes against humanity in the context of the Belgian colonization of Congo is a crucial reminder of the importance of truth, reparation and justice in overcoming the trauma of the past and building a more just and equitable future for all. This decision marks a significant step towards acknowledging the suffering inflicted on colonized populations and paves the way for a deeper dialogue on the legacies of colonization and the ongoing challenges of combating racism and discrimination.