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 If it does not meet our criteria or guidelines, it will not be published.
‘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...
Namibia says colonialism must be classified as international crime – Windhoek Observer 01-12-2025
"Namibia says colonialism must be classified as international crime [1 December 2025; ed.] Justicia Shipena Namibia has called for the crimes of colonialism in Africa to be formally recognised under international law. The government says...
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...
First white South Africans arrive in US after Trump grants them refugee status – Guardian 12-05-2025
"First white South Africans arrive in US after Trump grants them refugee status [...] Rachel Savage in Johannesburg, David Smith in Washington and agencies Mon 12 May 2025 The first group of white South Africans granted refugee status by...
White genocide in South Africa ‘is a myth’ high court rules – Daily Mail UK 25-02-2025
"White genocide in South Africa 'is a myth' high court rules – a week after Trump cuts all aid to the country due to ‘human rights violations’, echoing claims by Elon Musk, who was born there By MIRIAM KUEPPER Published: 10:24 BST, 25...
Afrikaners: The paradox of African heritage and 1652 Land Heist – New Era (Opinion) 14-02-2025
"Afrikaners: The paradox of African heritage and 1652 Land Heist [opinion piece] 2025-02-14 BY CORRESPONDENT [Jemima Beukes; ed.] Culture is not in the blood. It is not something fixed that gets passed down generations. Culture is shaped...