International Context
Background / International Context
Namibia’s Past – International Context
The colonialism of European states since the “discovery” of America by Christopher Columbus has affected all continents and almost all countries. The societies of all these countries are more or less in the process of coming to terms with their colonial past.
Much of what happened elsewhere and how it is being dealt with there is also relevant to the dialogue about the past in Namibia. Here you will find a small selection of contributions to these debates.
This selection of historical events and moments of dialogue in other countries is work in progress. You are welcome to suggest corrections and additions. Please include also the source(s) – preferably by providing a link. We will need some time to review your proposal. If it does not meet our criteria or guidelines, it will not be published.
ICJ sets next phase of South Africa’s Gaza genocide case – Mail & Guardian 03-06-2026
"ICJ sets next phase of South Africa’s Gaza genocide case Hasina Kathrada 3 JUN 2026, 07:57 [...] Nearly three years after South Africa launched its genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, the court has set a...
UN votes to recognise enslavement of Africans as ‘gravest crime against humanity’ – Namibian 26-03-2026
"UN votes to recognise enslavement of Africans as 'gravest crime against humanity' By Wedaeli Chibelushi and Thomas Naadi [BBC Africa, Accra; ed.] 26 March 2026 The United Nations General Assembly has voted to recognise the enslavement of...
UN votes to describe slave trade as ‘gravest crime against humanity’ – Guardian 25-03-2026
"UN votes to describe slave trade as 'gravest crime against humanity' Members call for reparatory justice as landmark resolution aims for 'political recognition at the highest level' Eromo Egbejule in Abidjan Wed 25 Mar 2026 19.16 GMT The...
‘I was simply luckier’: Holocaust survivors warn against forgetting Nazi atrocities – Guardian 27-01-2026
"'I was simply luckier': Holocaust survivors warn against forgetting Nazi atrocities People urged to stand up against populism and antisemitism as the world marks International Holocaust Memorial Day [...] Kate Connolly in Berlin Tue 27...
After 15 years, Dutch anti-blackface group declares victory – CTV News 05-12-2025
"After 15 years, Dutch anti-blackface group declares victory By AFP Published: December 05, 2025 [...] Amsterdam, Netherlands -- Cherished Christmas tradition for some, profoundly insulting for others, the Dutch character “Black Pete,” a...
African leaders push for recognition of colonial crimes and reparations – Guardian 30-11-2025
"African leaders push for recognition of colonial crimes and reparations [...] Associated Press Sun 30 Nov 2025 21.40 GMT African leaders are pushing to have colonial-era crimes recognised, criminalised and addressed through reparations....
White South Africans en route to ‘da hood’: Welcome – Namibian (Opinion) 03-06-2025
"White South Africans en route to 'da hood': Welcome By Jackie Asheeke 3 June 2025 Several of my friends and family here in the United States (US) have asked me for my opinion on president Donald Trump's latest unfounded and ridiculous...
Skewed Documentation of Genocides: The Holocaust vs Belgian Atrocities in the Congo – Namibian (Opinion) 27-05-2025
"Skewed Documentation of Genocides: The Holocaust vs Belgian Atrocities in the Congo By Lot Ndamanomhata 27 May 2025 Genocide, AS defined by the United Nations Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (1948),...
Trump Pushes False ‘White Genocide’ Claims in Tense Meeting With South African Leaders – TIME 22-05-2025
"Trump Pushes False 'White Genocide' Claims in Tense Meeting With South African Leaders by Brian Bennett Bennett is the senior White House correspondent at TIME. President Trump asked an aide to dim the lights of the Oval Office, and...
Let’s not call these Afrikaners refugees – they’re background extras in Maga’s noisy scam – Daily Maverick 13-05-2025
"Let’s not call these Afrikaners refugees – they’re background extras in Maga’s noisy scam By Richard Poplak 13 May 2025 [...] According to the UN, almost 304 million humans are on the run from the horrors of a decaying planet — be it the...