Belgium Court Rules Colonial Child Kidnappings Constitute Crimes Against Humanity

BE
Published:

A landmark decision by Belgium's court of appeal has deemed the historic kidnapping of mixed-race children during the country's colonial rule in central Africa a crime against humanity. This ruling, delivered last month, could set a precedent for reparations and broader justice measures for the victims and their families.

The case was initiated by five women who were forcibly removed from their African mothers in the Belgian Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi between 1948 and 1953. Each plaintiff has been awarded €50,000 in damages. The court identified the systematic practice of taking these children, labeled as “métis,” due to their mixed heritage, as a violation that affected thousands who endured separation from their families.

François Milliex, president of the Association of Métis of Belgium, expressed hope that this decision will encourage others to seek financial compensation for their past suffering. Many métis continue to grapple with loss of identity and trauma stemming from their experiences.

Despite Belgium’s previous apology in 2019 and efforts to assist victims in tracing their family histories, the government has resisted calls for comprehensive financial reparations, unlike other countries that have faced similar issues. Legal experts believe that while the recent ruling is historic, the path to securing reparations may require substantial advocacy.

The Belgian government has yet to finalize its response to the ruling, with discussions around potential appeals still ongoing. Meanwhile, civil society groups are pushing for recognition of the injustices faced by these victims and advocating for remembrance of this overlooked chapter in Belgium's colonial history.

Weekly Newsletter

News summary by melangenews

Loading...

More from Belgium

Belgian Football Star Radja Nainggolan Arrested in Cocaine Trafficking Sting

Belgian footballer Radja Nainggolan has been arrested in connection with a cocaine trafficking investigation. The 36-year-old midfielder was apprehended by Belgian police during a series of raids conducted on Monday morning, which led to multiple arrests across the country. According to the Brussels prosecutor's office, the investigation is focused on the alleged importation of cocaine from South America to Europe, specifically through the port of Antwerp, with plans for redistribution within Belgium. Nainggolan's arrest occurs just six days after he came out of retirement to join Lokeren, a club in the Belgian second division, where he made an immediate impact by scoring on his debut in a 1-1 draw against K. Lierse. Originally from Antwerp, Nainggolan enjoyed a successful career in Italy, playing for major clubs such as Roma and Inter Milan, and he earned 30 caps for the Belgium national team between 2009 and 2018. Further details regarding the case have yet to be disclosed to the public.
BE

Google Appeals Record EU Antitrust Fine Over Android Practices

Google has launched an appeal against a record antitrust fine of 4.3 billion euros imposed by the European Union, claiming that the penalty punishes the company for its innovation. The case is being presented to the Luxembourg-based Court of Justice of the European Union, following a 2023 decision by a lower tribunal that upheld the European Commission's ruling that Google used its Android operating system to stifle competition. During the hearing, Google's lawyer, Alfonso Lamadrid, argued that the European Commission failed to meet its burden of proof and erroneously penalized Google for its business practices, which he contended actually promote competition. He defended agreements made with phone manufacturers that required pre-installation of Google services, stating that these agreements did not limit competition but rather enhanced it. The EU's original findings indicated that such requirements hindered rival products, and the initial fine was reduced to 4.1 billion euros after an appeal to a lower court. The judges are expected to deliver a final ruling in the coming months, which will not be subject to appeal. This legal battle is one of several ongoing challenges for Google in the EU, particularly concerning its advertising technology.
BE

Coca-Cola Initiates Major Beverage Recall in Europe Over Safety Concerns

Coca-Cola Europacific Partners has announced a significant recall of several beverage products, including Coke and Sprite, due to elevated levels of chlorate detected in their contents. The recall affects products distributed across Belgium, the Netherlands, Britain, Germany, France, and Luxembourg since November last year. Chlorate, a contaminant that can originate from chlorine disinfectants utilized in water treatment and food processing, has raised safety concerns particularly regarding long-term exposure, especially for children. Although the company has not provided an exact quantity of affected products, it acknowledged that the recall involves a considerable amount. The majority of these products have already been removed from shelves, and the company is working to eliminate any remaining goods from the market. An analysis conducted by independent experts indicated a very low probability of health risks associated with the chlorate levels found, and to date, Coca-Cola has not received any consumer complaints related to this issue. Affected products include brands such as Minute Maid, Nalu, Royal Bliss, and Tropico, with specific production codes ranging from 328 GE to 338 GE. The company has taken proactive measures to ensure compliance with health authorities in each impacted country and has issued an apology for any concerns caused by this recall.
BE
All Belgium News ->