The concentration camps established in Namibia during German colonial rule represent one of the darkest chapters in the country's history, which is the 1904 to 1908 genocide against the OvaHerero and Nama people.
Calls for reparative justice and national unity took centre stage during the Genocide Remembrance Day commemoration held at Swakopmund.
As Namibia observed the Genocide Remembrance Day through decentralised commemorations across the country, community members in Opuwo joined leaders in reflecting on the legacy of the 1904-1908 genocide against the Ovaherero and Nama people.
Oshikoto residents say the 1904-1908 Genocide Remembrance Day upholds Namibian history and honours those who lost their lives in pursuit of Namibia's independence.
Former Speaker of the National Assembly Professor Peter Katjavivi has described the enactment of the commemoration of Genocide Remembrance Day as having rejuvenated a non-wavering call for restorative justice following the heinous crimes committed against Namibians at the hands of the German forces in 1904–1908.
As part of the Genocide Remembrance Day commemoration, Vice President Lucia Witbooi visited the San community at the Ombili location in Eenhana town.
The visit aimed to assess their living conditions and to familiarise herself with the community, which now falls under the Presidency through her office.
Omukwaniilwa gwaNdonga Fillemon Shuumbwa Nangolo has praised President Netumbo Nandi-Naitiwah for putting into effect Genocide Remembrance Day across the country.
Human rights lawyer Norman Tjombe says international law and the right to justice for historical genocide are central to Namibia’s Genocide Remembrance Day, although he notes that the 1948 UN Genocide Convention is technically not retroactive and does not cover the 1904-1908 genocide against the Herero and Nama.
The Deputy Minister of International Relations has said the Genocide Remembrance Day should not be viewed as a tribal event for the Ovaherero and Nama communities alone, but should be viewed as an event for all Namibians.
The Shark Island site, which serves as a reminder of the 1904-1908 genocide horrors, must be guarded against any form of erasure, neglect or disintegration.
