Belgium recommends repatriation of Congolese and Rwandan colonial human remains

The request for repatriation reflects Belgium’s acknowledgement of its colonial past and the violence that characterized it. Belgian scientists have admitted that these remains were collected in a context of violence and oppression, mainly by the military, and should be considered as human remains, not as objects of collection.

Most of these human remains were collected between the late 19th century and the early 1960s, during the colonial period when Belgium colonized the Congo region. The “Home” group hopes that the restitution of these human remains will contribute to healing and reconciliation between countries and within communities, and will put an end to a practice that has been considered morally reprehensible for a long time.

The report emphasizes that the repatriation of these remains must be done with the utmost care and respect for local cultures and traditions. The “Home” group comprises human rights experts, representatives of civil society groups, and members of the scientific community. It was created in 2017 to examine issues of justice and reconciliation related to Belgium’s colonial legacy.

The request for repatriation is an important step towards recognition and reconciliation for crimes committed during the colonial period.