Refugees across the generations. Generational relations between the 'GDR children of Namibia' and their children. Issue 17 (5th October 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Schmitt, Caroline; Witte, Matthias D.
• Is Part Of: Journal of ethnic and migration studies. Volume 47:Issue 17(2021)
• Page Start: 4118
• Page End: 4134
• Publication Date: 2021-10-05
• Subjects: 'GDR children of Namibia' -- refugees -- generational relations -- transnationality -- racism; Ethnic relations -- Periodicals; Race relations -- Periodicals; Emigration and immigration -- Periodicals; Assimilation (Sociology) -- Periodicals; 305.8005
• DOI: 10.1080/1369183X.2019.1580566
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1369-183X

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This article represents the first ever analysis of the generational relations of an otherwise largely neglected group – the 'GDR children of Namibia' and their children. The 'GDR children of Namibia' are a group of 430 people who were removed from Namibian refugee camps between 1979 and 1989 and taken to the German Democratic Republic (GDR) as part of a solidarity pact between the South-West Africa People's Organisation (SWAPO) and the Socialist Unity Party of Germany (SED). During their time in the GDR, the children were raised to become the future elite of a liberated Namibia. However, the independence of Namibia and the reunification of Germany in 1990 meant that the children were repatriated to Namibia. Their refugee experiences acquire intergenerational meaning through their relations with their children. The way in which the parents experienced displacement and the time of the German colonial era on the territory of what is now modern Namibia resonates through the biographies of the next generation. This study draws parallels between the crises experienced by both generations. Parents and children alike find themselves confronted by structures which distinguish between black and white and which are marked by division and degradation rather than the appreciation of diversity.