Five women who were born in Congo and separated from their mothers by the colonial authorities are suing Belgium for crimes against humanity.
The mixed-race women were taken away from their black mothers at birth 70 years ago solely on the basis of the colour of their skin.
Belgium controlled the central African country from the 19th Century until it won its independence in 1960.
Millions of Africans died during colonial rule.
At the time, thousands were placed into orphanages or other religious institutions where conditions were harsh.
The Belgian state, however, contests whether their plight was a crime against humanity. END.
