United Nations adopts resolution labeling slave trade as most heinous crime globally

United Nations Adopts Resolution on Transatlantic Slavery

A resolution proposed by Ghana to recognize transatlantic slavery as a “gravest crime against humanity” and call for reparations has been adopted by the United Nations General Assembly. The resolution, which was supported by 123 countries, including most African nations, and opposed by three countries - the US, Israel, and one other - was passed with 52 abstentions.

The resolution is not legally binding but carries significant political weight. Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama stated that the adoption of the resolution marks a step towards “healing and reparative justice.” The foreign minister, Samuel Ablakwa, emphasized the importance of accountability and the potential for a “reparative framework.”

The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, noted that more action is needed to address historical injustices. The Netherlands remains the only European country to have issued a formal apology for its role in slavery.

The resolution follows efforts by the African Union to establish a unified vision on reparations for slavery. Member states are urged to engage in dialogue on reparations, including issuing formal apologies, returning stolen artifacts, providing financial compensation, and ensuring guarantees of non-repetition.

A total of 12.5 million Africans were abducted and sold between the 15th and 19th centuries as a result of transatlantic slavery. The resolution acknowledges that the consequences of this historical event persist today, including racial disparities.

Source: Al Jazeera