UN declares transatlantic slave trade a crime against humanity, demands reparations

United Nations General Assembly Resolution on African Slave Trade

On Wed, Oct 11, 2023, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution categorizing the trafficking of enslaved Africans as "the gravest crime against humanity." The resolution also calls for reparations as a concrete measure to address historical injustices.

The resolution advocates for the "prompt and unhindered restitution" of cultural items to their countries of origin at no cost. This includes artworks, monuments, museum pieces, documents, and national archives.

The resolution was adopted with 123 votes in favor and three against, namely the United States, Israel, and Argentina. Fifty-two countries, including Britain and European Union member states, abstained from voting.

Ghana, represented by President John Mahama, introduced the resolution at the United Nations headquarters in New York. President Mahama emphasized the importance of the resolution for truth, healing, and reparative justice.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted the transatlantic slave trade as a crime against humanity, noting its legacy of racial discrimination and neo-colonialism. Ghana's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, stated that the resolution sends a clear message against impunity and stands for justice.

The United States expressed concerns, describing the text as "highly problematic" and objected to the implied hierarchy of crimes against humanity. Britain and EU countries shared similar views while acknowledging the historical wrongs of slavery.

Between 1500 and 1800, approximately 12 to 15 million Africans were transported to the Americas as slaves. It is estimated that over two million individuals perished during the transatlantic journey.

Based on reporting by Africanews.