In a landmark decision, the Court of Cassation affirmed Belgium’s responsibility for atrocities committed during its colonial rule in the Congo. The ruling, issued after a prolonged legal battle led by Métis activists, confirms that the state must acknowledge and address the lasting harm inflicted on indigenous communities.
Amnesty International Australia highlighted the case as a crucial step toward truth and reparations, noting that the judgment obliges Belgium to provide reparative measures and to engage in a national reckoning of its colonial legacy.
While the decision marks progress, experts stress that ongoing monitoring and transparent implementation of reparations are essential to ensure justice for survivors and to prevent future abuses.
Source: Amnesty International Australia