Italian Colonialism in Somalia: issues of reparation for the crimes committed

Abstract

This paper is an attempt to deal with questions concerning the legal tools provided for the implementation of the right to reparation with regard to Italy’s colonial domination of Somalia. In particular, it first endeavours to ascertain whether some of the acts of violence committed by Italy during its colonial occupation of Somalia might be deemed to be internationally unlawful at the time they were perpetrated. It then elaborates upon whether individuals have a right to reparation and especially by what means they have, at least in some cases, implemented their right. A few remarks will then be dedicated to the peculiar Italian position on the law of State immunity in case of serious violations of human rights and humanitarian law and the impact that this position might have on the question at issue. Lastly, it explores some interstate solutions for repairing colonial crimes.