
Faith Nyasuguta
Belgium’s court of appeal delivered a groundbreaking ruling, declaring the “systematic kidnapping” of mixed-race children during its colonial rule of Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi a crime against humanity. This decision marks a significant milestone in acknowledging the dark legacy of colonial injustices and could pave the way for reparations and broader justice efforts.
The case was brought forward by five women, all victims of forced separation from their African mothers between 1948 and 1953. These women, now residing in Belgium and France, were each awarded £42,000 in damages. The judgment has been hailed as a turning point for victims seeking justice for the atrocities committed under Belgian colonial rule.
A History of Forced Separations
During Belgium’s colonial era, hundreds of mixed-race children were forcibly removed from their African mothers and placed under state guardianship. These children, often born to African women and European colonial men, were viewed as societal outcasts and subjected to systemic discrimination. Many were relocated to Belgium, where their names were altered or misspelled, severing ties with their families.

In 2019, Belgium’s then-Prime Minister Charles Michel issued a formal apology for these actions and initiated measures to grant victims access to archival records to trace their origins. However, despite this gesture, Belgium has consistently resisted calls for financial compensation, setting it apart from other nations like Australia and Canada, which have taken more direct steps to address similar injustices.
Implications of the Court Ruling
The ruling offers renewed hope to victims and advocacy groups, such as African Futures Lab. Genevieve Kaninda, a member of the organization, described the decision as a potential “turning point” for those affected across the Great Lakes region. She noted that many mothers who were forced to surrender their children were mere teenagers, often exploited by much older European men. Tragically, some died without ever reuniting with their children.
The challenges for African victims seeking justice remain significant. Kaninda highlighted barriers like visa restrictions and limited access to DNA testing, which hinder efforts to uncover the truth. African Futures Lab is advocating for all mixed-race individuals placed under Belgian state guardianship during colonial times to have the option of obtaining Belgian nationality.

Belgium’s Next Steps
Belgium’s foreign ministry has yet to determine its response to the court ruling. While the government could appeal to the supreme court on legal grounds, there is mounting pressure to address the judgment proactively. Legal scholar Jeremiah Vervoort from the Free University of Brussels described the decision as historic, noting it was the first time Belgium had been condemned for colonial crimes.
Vervoort suggested that Belgium could follow Australia’s model of compensating all affected individuals through legislation. Alternatively, the government could adopt a case-by-case approach, though this risks disadvantaging those with limited documentation of their experiences. “Not all mixed-race people are equal in terms of the documentation that concerns them,” Vervoort explained, emphasizing the disparities in access to evidence.
Educational and Social Awareness
The Association of Metis of Belgium hopes this ruling will shine a light on a chapter of history that remains largely unknown. The group is developing educational materials, including video testimonies and written accounts, to inform Belgian students about the injustices faced by mixed-race individuals during colonial rule.

“There is still a long way to go in changing perceptions,” said one association member, noting that many Belgians remain unaware of the Metis experience. During school visits, students often recall Belgium’s colonial contributions, like building roads and hospitals, but fail to acknowledge the human suffering caused by the Metis policy.
A Step Toward Justice
While the ruling does not erase the pain of the past, it is a critical step in addressing Belgium’s colonial legacy. Advocacy groups and victims hope it will inspire greater recognition and action, including reparations and support for those still seeking answers. As Kaninda aptly stated, “This judgment could be the key to justice for many who have suffered in silence for decades.”
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