On 4 May 2025, in Geneva, Switzerland, Namibia's Minister of Justice and Labour Relations, Wise Immanuel, addressed the United Nations Human Rights Council. He requested that member states observe a moment of silence for the victims of the Cassinga Massacre, which occurred on 4 May 1978.
The Cassinga Massacre was a South African Defence Force attack on a refugee camp in Cassinga, Angola, during the Namibian War of Independence. The attack resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Namibian refugees and SWAPO fighters.
Minister Immanuel's appeal highlighted the ongoing struggle for human rights and justice in Namibia. The moment of silence was intended to honor the memory of those who died and to remind the international community of the importance of upholding human rights.
The UN Human Rights Council session was part of its regular agenda, focusing on human rights issues worldwide. Namibia has consistently used international platforms to draw attention to historical injustices and the need for accountability.
