The United Nations General Assembly has passed a resolution formally recognising the enslavement of Africans during the transatlantic slave trade as “the gravest crime against humanity,” a step supporters believe could advance healing and justice efforts.
The motion, put forward by Ghana, also encourages UN member states to consider issuing apologies and contributing to a reparations fund, though it does not specify any financial commitments.
The resolution was approved with 123 votes in favour, while the United States, Israel, and Argentina voted against it. A total of 52 countries abstained, including the United Kingdom and members of the European Union.
Some nations, including the UK, have consistently opposed reparations, arguing that present-day institutions should not be held accountable for historical injustices.
Although resolutions by the General Assembly are not legally binding, they carry significant symbolic and political influence globally.
Addressing the assembly before the vote, Ghana’s President, John Mahama, said the decision would honour the memory of millions affected by the slave trade and those still facing racial discrimination. He added that the resolution would help preserve historical memory and confront the lasting impact of slavery.
Earlier, Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, stressed that calls for reparations are about justice rather than personal gain. He said proposed funds could support education, skills training, and development initiatives.
Momentum for reparatory justice has been growing, with the African Union adopting it as its 2025 theme and leaders within the Commonwealth calling for further dialogue.
Between the 16th and 19th centuries, an estimated 12 to 15 million Africans were forcibly taken to the Americas, with over two million believed to have died during the journey.
The resolution, backed by both the African Union and the Caribbean Community, highlights that the legacy of slavery continues to manifest in racial inequality and underdevelopment affecting people of African descent worldwide.
Some countries, however, raised concerns about the wording and implications of the resolution. The UK acknowledged the historical suffering caused by slavery but questioned aspects of the proposal, while the US argued that there is no legal basis for reparations tied to actions that were not considered unlawful at the time.
The resolution also calls for the return of cultural artefacts taken during the colonial era, with Ghana urging that such items—seen as vital to cultural identity and heritage—be restored to their countries of origin.
