Also known as: UN · United Nations (UN) General Assembly · UN General Assembly · United Nations General Assembly · General Assembly
International organization that has passed resolutions on slavery as a crime against humanity and sets targets for development goals including clean energy access by 2030.
The United Nations General Assembly voted 123-3 to declare the enslavement of Africans during the transatlantic slave trade as "the gravest crime against humanity", urging member states to consider apologizing and contributing to a reparations fund. The UK, US, and other nations opposed or abstained, citing concerns about legal precedent and the responsibility of modern institutions for historical wrongs.
The United Nations General Assembly voted 123-3 to declare the enslavement of Africans during the transatlantic slave trade as "the gravest crime against humanity", urging member states to consider apologizing and contributing to a reparations fund. The UK, US, and other nations opposed or abstained, citing concerns about legal precedent and the responsibility of modern institutions for historical wrongs.
Namibia's digital healthcare transformation, including its e-Birth and e-Death notification systems introduced since 2017, is being showcased as a model for other African countries during an Africa CDC learning visit in Windhoek. The systems, which now connect 153 health facilities and have achieved over 99% birth registration coverage, represent the government's commitment to modernizing healthcare delivery and civil registration through technology.
At a State House ceremony, Namibia's Head of State Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah addressed the nation's 36th Independence Day, reflecting on the country's sovereignty and the international solidarity that enabled its liberation. She reaffirmed Namibia's commitment to inclusive development, democratic governance, and peaceful coexistence while expressing gratitude to nations and movements that supported the independence struggle.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah commemorated Namibia's 36 years of independence, honouring the nation's struggle for freedom and founding president Sam Nujoma, while calling for collective action to address poverty, inequality, corruption, and tribalism. The President outlined government priorities including poverty reduction, youth development, education, infrastructure, and climate adaptation under the theme "Beyond 36: For a Prosperous Future."
Namibia fell from 103rd to 108th place out of 147 countries in the 2026 World Happiness Report. The report also found that life satisfaction among under-25s has declined sharply in countries including the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, with heavy social media use identified as a contributing factor.
President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah celebrated Namibia's 36th Independence Day by reflecting on the country's sovereignty since 1990 and expressing gratitude for global support during the liberation struggle. She reaffirmed Namibia's commitment to strengthening international cooperation in trade, investment, and sustainable development while addressing socio-economic challenges and youth empowerment.
The ruling Swapo party is pursuing a legal eviction order against expatriated war veterans who have occupied its Windhoek headquarters since October 2025, demanding immediate release of funds and benefits they say were promised to them over three decades ago. The veterans refuse to leave until they receive an explanation of how N$21.7 million allocated for their reintegration was managed, and the matter is set to return to court on 27 March 2026.
As Namibia marks 36 years of independence, the government's priorities under President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah are guided by the Sixth National Development Plan and focus on accelerating inclusive economic growth, creating jobs, strengthening social services, and responsible natural resource management. Key areas include housing and land delivery, healthcare, education, green hydrogen development, and addressing unemployment through public-private sector cooperation and youth entrepreneurship initiatives.
Swapo has filed an urgent application in the Windhoek High Court to evict about 50 people who have been camping at the party's national headquarters since October 2024, demanding clarity on alleged UN funds for repatriated exiled Namibians in 1989. The hearing is scheduled for 27 March after the court gave respondents time to obtain legal representation.
An emeritus professor of politics reflects on Namibia's achievements since independence—including constitutional integrity, social investment, and democratic institutions—but argues the core failure has been persistent inequality and poverty, compounded by corruption rooted in "the economics of affection" and policy incoherence on food, energy, water and jobs. He warns that the founding motto "One Namibia, One Nation" risks becoming a nostalgic memory as climate change and extractive industries threaten deeper social division.