appel à la création d’un forum international pour lutter contre le néocolonialisme
The recent international colloquium held in Algiers, titled « Colonial Crimes in Human History: From Collective Memory Wounds to the Demand for Historical Justice, » concluded with significant recommendations aimed at addressing the remnants of neocolonialism. This event, organized under the patronage of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and facilitated by the Ministry of Mujahideen and Their Rights Holders, emphasized the necessity of establishing an international forum based in Algeria to foster legal and political initiatives.
Participants advocated for the formation of a permanent Afro-Asian-South American forum dedicated to geopolitical justice and memory related to colonial studies. The primary objective of this forum would be to produce strategic research and cultivate a new generation of leaders capable of advocating for national sovereignty and reparation on the global stage.
Another proposal called for Algeria to host a « Global South Forum for Geopolitical Justice, » which would unite representatives and intellectual elites from developing nations. This platform aims to articulate a coherent discourse on historical justice, providing a foundation for international legal initiatives against neocolonialism.
A noteworthy call to action involved the development of an international charter acknowledging colonial crimes as non-expirable international crimes. This charter would be presented to the United Nations and the African Union for adoption as a legal and humanitarian benchmark.
Delegates also recommended establishing a research unit at the National Center for Studies and Research on Popular Resistance and the National Movement, tasked with documenting colonial crimes and conducting multidisciplinary studies.
Furthermore, participants emphasized the need for new legal projects that align national legislation with international norms related to colonialism, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. Similar to certain European legal frameworks, they advocated for Algeria to adopt universal jurisdiction for international crimes.
The colloquium highlighted the significance of utilizing digital platforms and social media to promote Algeria’s historical narrative, countering the distorted colonial perspective. Participants called for measures to criminalize the glorification of colonialism and its associated crimes.
They also proposed including the environmental damages caused by colonial crimes, particularly nuclear explosions, in international climate discussions, asserting that both states and individuals bear responsibility for these acts.
Additionally, a strong emphasis was placed on the right of peoples to self-determination, deemed sacred and inalienable, referencing the similar colonial experiences of the Palestinian and Sahrawi peoples.
In his closing address, Minister Laïd Rebiga underscored Algeria’s commitment to historical memory as an integral part of broader human justice. He affirmed that safeguarding people’s rights is paramount, especially in the face of cyber warfare aimed at erasing historical facts.
Minister Rebiga reiterated President Tebboune’s stance that the struggle for memory is inseparable from the quest for sovereignty. He expressed solidarity with oppressed peoples, particularly Palestinians and Sahrawis, highlighting Africa’s role as the cradle of human civilization, deserving to reclaim its dignity and creative influence in global heritage.
Rebiga concluded by stating that the fight for historical justice is ongoing, noting that the colloquium had opened new avenues for their endeavors. He underscored the need for continued scientific documentation of colonial crimes, solidifying solidarity among colonization victims, and establishing international legal and moral frameworks that amplify the voices of victims and ensure that the sacrifices of martyrs are duly honored.
This colloquium shines a light on the ongoing struggle for recognition and restitution regarding colonial legacies, urging a concerted effort toward justice and memory that transcends borders and resonates globally.
