Poetic Justice: South Africa Brings Genocide Case Against Israel in Court of Their Former Colonizer
In a profound twist of history, South Africa is putting Israel on trial in the very nation that invented the apartheid system against their people - the Netherlands.
— by Karim Bettache
The Dutch, arriving in South Africa in 1652, laid the foundations for what would become one of history's most egregious examples of institutionalized racism, aptly encapsulated by the Dutch term 'apartheid' — a word that, in its stark Dutch simplicity, translates to 'separateness'. This system, engineered to maintain white supremacy over the native Black population, endured for centuries and was officially enshrined in law for roughly 50 years in the previous century, inflicting deep suffering and loss. Countless courageous South Africans perished in the struggle against these oppressive measures. Remarkably, despite the Dutch crucial role in establishing this cruel regime, their significant colonial impact often escapes the broader discourse on colonialism and racism.
The Dutch king and queen confronted with anti-slavery protest
As architects of capitalism and pioneers of global trade systems, including slavery, the Dutch Empire at its zenith wielded power and wealth comparable to that of ancient Chinese civilization and the British Empire, placing it among the wealthiest empires in human history (see figure below). Yet, the full extent of its influence, including the invention of racial segregation policies that would culminate in apartheid, is frequently overlooked in historical narratives.
Now, in a striking turn of events, the descendants of apartheid's victims are seeking justice in a Dutch court. South African lawyers recently presented a case against Israel to the International Court of Justice in The Hague, accusing it of genocide and perpetrating apartheid against Palestinians.
The symbolism is profound: those once subjugated now assert their voice within the very halls of power of their former oppressors, calling out crimes against humanity anew. With the Netherlands currently backing Israel's actions in Gaza, this act of seeking justice takes on an added layer, suggesting that the pursuit of accountability and redress may indeed bring history full circle.
South Africa knows the evil of apartheid intimately. This case represents the pan-African dream of liberation finally realized. Heroes like Nelson Mandela devoted their lives to defeating apartheid. He famously professed that South Africa's freedom would be hollow until Palestine was also free.
Mandela's words ring true as South Africans now stand up for Palestinian rights on the global stage. Their landmark case could have huge implications for Palestinian liberation.
The voiceless now have a mighty advocate. And the Netherlands faces its sordid legacy in its own backyard. This David vs Goliath battle unfolding in The Hague will be one for the history books. The oppressed have journeyed far to bring the oppressors to account.
Nelson Mandela
I downloaded South Africa's 84-page application to the International Court of Justice as suggested by Frank Barat. I asked a print shop to print me a copy which I have bound for reference. The document is a meticulous collection of the injustices Israel has inflicted on Palestinians with the intent to eliminate the population thereby freeing up the land and resources for the settler colonial state. I recommend that everyone read the application.