"Anything about us without us is against us!" – Real reconciliation after the genocide in Namibia is not in sight

Invitation: Live discussion with representatives of the Herero and the Nama regarding an arrangement with Germany

Series of online events – Herero und Nama speak up: "Anything about us without us is against us!" – Real reconciliation after the genocide in Namibia is not in sight

Wednesday, August 11, 2021, from 7 pm to 8 pm – with descendants of the victims of the genocide crimes, represented by the Ovaherero Genocide Foundation OGF and the Nama Technical Committee on Genocide. The discussion will be held in English. After registration (by email to n.grossenbacher@gfbv.de), we will gladly send you the according link.

The Society for Threatened Peoples cordially invites you to take part in an online discussion focusing on the demands of the descendants of the Nama and the Herero who became victims of genocide crimes in present day Namibia during the era of the German Empire. The discussion marks the beginning of a four-part online event series in August and September, which aims to give the victims a voice. Their point of criticism is that they were so far not heard in the course of the talks between Namibia and Germany – and they don't feel represented adequately by the Namibian state. Thus, the motto of their online petition is "Anything about us without us is against us!"

In the period between 1904 and 1908, around 65,000 of the 80.000 Herero and 10.000 of the 20.000 Nama were killed – according to estimates. The fact that the two population groups were decimated so much had led to a loss of political, economic, and cultural power, which has an effect until today.

"In addition to the moral obligation, Germany also has a legal obligation towards the victims of genocide," stated Nadja Grossenbacher, STP expert on genocide prevention and the Responsibility to Protect. "By ratifying the Genocide Convention, Germany committed itself to punish genocide crimes. Further, according to international law, reparations will have to be paid." However, Germany has not still not fulfilled its obligation towards the Herero and the Nama.

The online events will take place from 7 pm to 8 pm: 

August 11: The genocide, the agreement, and the demands of the Herero and the Nama 

August 18: Cross-generational trauma and sexual violence

September 1: Economic consequences have an effect until today

September 8: Germany's role and exchange with the descendants of the victims