The (Non)Recognition of the Herero and Nama Genocide: Transnational Struggles for Restorative Justice and Reparations

Abstract

This article examines the evolution of the struggle of activists and human rights advocates worldwide for Germany's recognition and reparation of the Herero and Nama genocide. It analyses transgenerational grassroots engagement from the 1920s until today and sheds light on the complementary approaches developed by various actors engaged in the struggle. These actors are based in the Global North and South: descendants of survivors of the genocide living in Namibia and the diaspora, activists in German civil society, many from former colonies, United Nations committees and special rapporteurs, lawyers, scholars, and artists. This article analyses the legal and non-legal collective actions they developed. Third World Approaches to International Law have played a role in these actions and have shed light on the colonial and racist structures of international law. Finally, this text shows the relevance of the depicted campaign for contemporary understandings of human rights. The article reflects on ways to challenge ongoing European refusals to take full responsibility for crimes committed in colonial contexts.