UN Declares Transatlantic Slave Trade “Gravest Crime Against Humanity” Amidst Overwhelming Support
A landmark United Nations resolution, officially recognizing the transatlantic African slave trade as “the gravest crime against humanity,” has passed the General Assembly with overwhelming support. The measure, adopted on Wednesday, garnered 123 votes in favour. However, the United States, Israel, and Argentina cast dissenting votes against the resolution, while 52 countries, including the United Kingdom and various European Union member states, abstained from the vote.
The United Nations has heralded this declaration as a pivotal moment in the long journey towards healing and the pursuit of reparations for the profound historical injustice of slavery. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres articulated the gravity of the transatlantic slave trade, stating, “The transatlantic slave trade was a crime against humanity that struck at the core of personhood, broke up families, and devastated communities.” He further elaborated on the insidious nature of its justification, noting, “To justify the unjustifiable, slavery’s proponents and beneficiaries constructed a racist ideology, turning prejudice into a pseudoscience.”
The resolution outlines a clear path forward, urging nations that were involved in the slave trade to actively pursue reparatory justice. This pursuit is to be undertaken through a multifaceted approach, encompassing formal apologies, financial compensation, and the implementation of policies specifically designed to dismantle and address ongoing systemic discrimination rooted in the legacy of slavery.
Key Provisions of the UN Resolution:
- Recognition of Crime: Formally declares the transatlantic slave trade as “the gravest crime against humanity.”
- Reparatory Justice: Calls for formal apologies, compensation, and policies to address systemic discrimination from nations involved in the slave trade.
- Restitution of Cultural Artefacts: Demands the “prompt and unhindered restitution” of cultural heritage, including artworks, monuments, and archives, to their countries of origin.
- Promotion of Dialogue: Encourages member states to foster dialogue on reparatory justice and support educational initiatives concerning the transatlantic slave trade.
- Enhanced Collaboration: Advocates for stronger cooperation among regional organisations, such as the African Union, the Caribbean Community, and the Organization of American States, to advance reconciliation efforts.
Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, a staunch supporter of the resolution, addressed the assembly prior to the vote. He underscored the significance of the moment, describing the adoption of the resolution as a crucial step towards collective healing. “Today, we come together in solemn solidarity to affirm truth and pursue a route to healing and reparative justice,” he stated.
The resolution unequivocally condemns “the trafficking of enslaved Africans and racialised chattel enslavement of Africans.” It draws attention to the enduring and devastating impact of slavery, which continues to manifest in persistent racial discrimination and what the resolution terms “neo-colonial structures.” The text further emphasizes the importance of educational programmes dedicated to understanding the history and consequences of the transatlantic slave trade, aiming to foster greater awareness and prevent the recurrence of such atrocities.
The call for enhanced collaboration among regional bodies highlights the understanding that addressing the complex legacies of the slave trade requires a coordinated and unified global effort. By encouraging partnerships between organisations like the African Union, the Caribbean Community, and the Organization of American States, the UN aims to strengthen reconciliation initiatives and ensure that the pursuit of justice and healing is a shared endeavour. The overwhelming vote in favour signifies a global consensus on the need to acknowledge and rectify the profound wrongs of the past, paving the way for a more just and equitable future.
