Baku: An international conference titled 'Injustices of Belgian Colonialism and 101 Years of Struggle for Reparations' was held in Baku, organized by the Baku Initiative Group, APA reports. The event saw the participation of officials from Belgium's former colonies, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Rwanda, and Burundi, along with representatives from Morocco, South Africa, and the United Nations.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Abbas Abbasov, Executive Director of the Baku Initiative Group, emphasized that reparations should not be confined to financial compensation for past suffering. He stated that they should also address the long-term impacts of colonialism and the enduring issues stemming from those policies.

Paul Nsapu Mukulu, President of Congo's National Human Rights Commission, highlighted that the Congolese people have endured significant oppression throughout history. He noted that a primary task today is to tackle the consequences of past injustices.

Conference participants deliberated on pushing the agenda within the UN, particularly the Human Rights Council, regarding Belgium's formal apology and reparations for colonial-era crimes against the DRC, Rwanda, and Burundi. They also explored the creation of an international mechanism to monitor Belgium's compliance with reparation and restitution obligations, aligning with UN General Assembly Resolution 60/147.

The conference further addressed the need for complete access to Belgium's colonial archives and the involvement of experts from former colonies alongside international experts. Discussions included the return of human remains and historical artifacts to their countries of origin.