Belgium

2024 - 12 - 3

Belgium's Colonial Past: The Court Ruling that Shocked the World!

Belgium - Colonialism - Congo - Human Rights - Legal Rulings - Mixed-Race Children - Reparations - Transportation and Trade

Belgium is held accountable for crimes against humanity in a landmark case involving forced separations in colonial Congo!

In a groundbreaking decision that echoes through the annals of history, a Belgian court has found the state guilty of crimes against humanity stemming from its colonial past. This ruling centers on the distressing practice of forcibly removing mixed-race children from their mothers in the Belgian Congo. These actions, which occurred under the guise of colonial uplift, have left a lingering scar on the families affected and now, decades later, the court has mandated reparations for those injustices.

The five plaintiffs in this case, all mixed-race women who were taken from their mothers as children, expressed a mixture of profound relief and bittersweet sadness. Monique Fernandes, one of the affected daughters, highlighted that the judgment offered her mother a long-awaited sense of closure. Legal experts believe this ruling could set a precedent for other European countries to confront and reckon with their colonial legacies. The court's decision sheds light on a dark chapter in Belgium's history that many would prefer to forget but can no longer be ignored.

On a related note, as Belgium grapples with its past, the country is also facing scrutiny over contemporary issues such as its shipment practices. A recent cargo delivery from Belgium to Russia has raised eyebrows, particularly regarding compliance with EU sanctions. This juxtaposition between historical accountability and present-day business dealings hints at a country still wrestling with its identity on multiple fronts.

In tandem with these legal revelations, Belgian companies are taking steps toward modernization and growth, signaling a shift towards a new era. Doosan Bobcat Belgium recently unveiled its revitalized facility in Sint-Niklaas, which reflects a commitment to innovation and sustainability. As Belgium reflects on its past, it appears eager to step into the future, albeit with the weight of history still pressing on its shoulders.

Interestingly, Belgium's colonial engagements in Congo led to widespread economic exploitation but also introduced new agricultural practices that transformed regions in Africa. Furthermore, as Belgium aims to make amends, stories of reconciliation and healing from the affected parties are coming to light, showcasing the complex layers of human experience in the shadow of history.

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Image courtesy of "Euronews"

Belgium found guilty of crimes against humanity for kidnappings in ... (Euronews)

Belgian court orders the state to pay damages to five mixed-race women who were removed from their mothers as children in colonial-era Congo.

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Image courtesy of "The Express Tribune"

Belgium found guilty of colonial abuses against Congo (The Express Tribune)

In a landmark ruling, a Belgian court has found the state guilty of crimes against humanity for the forced removal of mixed-race children from their mothers ...

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Image courtesy of "High North News"

Cargo Shipment from Belgium to Russia Highlights Continued Flow ... (High North News)

A cargo delivery from Antwerp in Belgium to Novatek's Yamal LNG plant in the Russian Arctic raises questions about the effectiveness of EU sanctions.

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Image courtesy of "Africanews English"

Belgian court rules against state in a landmark case addressing its ... (Africanews English)

It is deliverance for my mother now that she finally has closure,” said Monique Fernandes, the daughter of Monique Bintu Bingi, one of the five plaintiffs.

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Image courtesy of "Air Cargo Week"

Doosan Bobcat Belgium unveils modernised facility in Sint-Niklaas ... (Air Cargo Week)

The renovation and rebranding of the Doosan Bobcat Belgium facility in Sint-Niklaas, Belgium, has been completed. The office area has been completely.

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Image courtesy of "AllAfrica.com"

Congo-Kinshasa: Belgium to Pay Damages for Forced Separations ... (AllAfrica.com)

Belgium's Court of Appeals on Monday ordered the government to pay compensation to five Congolese women who were forcibly separated from their mothers ...

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Image courtesy of "Namibian"

Belgium ordered to pay reparations for colonial kidnappings (Namibian)

A Belgium court has ordered the government to pay reparations to five mixed-race women who were forcibly removed from their families in the colonial-era ...

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Image courtesy of "Voice of Nigeria"

Belgian court rules against state in landmark case (Voice of Nigeria)

A Brussels appeals court has ruled that the Belgian state committed a crime against humanity in the case of five mixed-race women who were taken away from ...

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Image courtesy of "Aljazeera.com"

Crime against humanity: Why has a court found Belgium guilty of ... (Aljazeera.com)

Thousands of children were forcibly taken from their families in Belgian colonies because they were mixed-race.

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Image courtesy of "FINN"

France and Belgium explore refuelling interoperability - AGN (FINN)

France's DGA (the Direction Générale de l'Armement) has conducted in-flight refuelling tests between an A330 MRTT of the Armée de l'Air et de l'Espace and ...

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Image courtesy of "TimesLIVE"

Belgian state held accountable for colonial-era abduction of mixed ... (TimesLIVE)

The Brussels Court of Appeal on Monday held the state accountable for the systematic abduction of 'metis' children, those of mixed European and African ...

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Image courtesy of "The Africa Report"

Activists hail Belgium's conviction for mistreatment of métis girls in ... (The Africa Report)

In its ruling Monday, the Brussels Court of Appeal held the Belgian State responsible for the abduction and systematic racial segregation of five mixed-race ...

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Image courtesy of "The New Arab"

Victims win reparations over abduction by colonial-era Belgium (The New Arab)

The Belgian state was ordered Monday to pay reparations to five mixed-race women who were forcibly placed in an orphanage 70 years ago.

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Image courtesy of "The Voice Online"

Belgium ordered to pay reparations for colonial-era kidnapping of ... (The Voice Online)

THE BELGIUM government has been ordered by a court to pay reparations to five mixed-race women who were forcibly removed from their Black mothers in Congo ...

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Image courtesy of "White & Case LLP"

Two White & Case matters win “Best Exit” at Belgium's M&A Awards ... (White & Case LLP)

The M&A Community Belgium has recognized two matters on which global law firm White & Case LLP advised with "Best Exit" awards at its annual M&A Awards ...

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Image courtesy of "The Brussels Times"

Terror alert level in Belgium remains unchanged for holiday period (The Brussels Times)

Belgium's security services say the level is high but stressed that there are currently no threats against Christmas markets.

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Image courtesy of "Monthly Review"

In Belgium, the PTB wants to “awaken class consciousness” (Monthly Review)

For the Marxist Belgian Workers' Party (PTB), electoral success doesn't come at the expense but because of building strong organisation.

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Image courtesy of "Contract Pharma"

Samabriva Opens New Biomanufacturing Facility in Belgium (Contract Pharma)

Will provide industrial-scale production of high-value natural molecules used in the manufacture of pharmaceutical products.

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Image courtesy of "Times of Oman"

Joint Communique underlines intention of Oman, Belgium to boost ... (Times of Oman)

Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman and the Kingdom of Belgium affirmed their intention to boost bilateral cooperation in key economic sectors including maritime ...

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Image courtesy of "Muscat Daily"

Oman-Belgium ties have seen enormous progress: H M (Muscat Daily)

Brussels, Belgium – In honour of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, King Phillippe Leopold Louis Marie, King of the Belgians and his spouse Queen ...

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Image courtesy of "The Brussels Times"

Terror alert level in Belgium remains unchanged for holiday period (The Brussels Times)

Belgium's security services say the level is high but stressed that there are currently no threats against Christmas markets.

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Image courtesy of "The National"

Sultan of Oman ends two-day state visit to Belgium (The National)

Gulf leader was invited to Brussels as both countries look to boost co-operation in security and clean energy.

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