In brief
The ruling acknowledges the women's traumatic experiences resulting from state-sanctioned actions that occurred decades ago.
In a pivotal ruling on Monday, a Brussels court affirmed that five women, now aged 70 and 80, deserve reparations from the Belgian state for historical injustices perpetrated during the colonial era in the Belgian Congo. The women, all of mixed-race heritage, were forcibly separated from their families at a young age, beginning at just two years old, by Belgian authorities. They were then sent to distant Catholic institutions where they faced poverty, malnutrition, and physical abuse.The court classified the actions of the Belgian state as an inhumane act and recognized it as a crime against humanity, awarding each of the women compensation of 50,000 euros, equivalent to around $52,000. The Brussels Court of Appeal stated, "There is no doubt for the court that the appellants have experienced great suffering since, and as a result of, their kidnapping before the age of 7 by the state.”Under the Belgian colonial rule from 1908 to 1960, numerous children were taken from their families due to strict prohibitions against interracial relationships, leading to thousands being placed in Catholic institutions either in Congo or, for a few, sent to Belgium. Monique Bitu Bingi, one of the claimants, expressed her relief and joy at the outcome, stating, “The Belgian government took my youth away, and it was something I had to fight for, to explain to the world what happened.” This ruling marks a significant acknowledgment of the painful legacy of colonialism and its long-lasting impacts on individuals and communities. The reparations awarded are a step toward addressing historical grievances and healing the wounds inflicted upon these women and their families.
