In a significant development for the reparations movement, Ghana’s former president, John Mahama, has successfully championed a UN resolution that designates transatlantic chattel slavery as “the gravest crime against humanity.” This landmark vote, which took place last week, saw overwhelming support from numerous nations, particularly those with historical ties to slavery, despite notable opposition from several Western countries.
A Divided Assembly
The resolution garnered backing from 123 member states during the UN General Assembly, a reflection of a growing consensus among nations that have long suffered the repercussions of slavery. Countries across Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and much of Latin America were represented in the affirmative vote. Even the Arab world, with its own complex history of slavery, supported the motion. However, abstentions and objections from the Western bloc, including Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the European Union, highlighted a deep-rooted division regarding the acknowledgment of historical injustices.
Notably, Argentina, Israel, and the United States were the only nations to formally oppose the resolution. The US ambassador to the UN economic and social council, Dan Negrea, attempted to deflect criticism by asserting that former President Donald Trump had positively impacted the lives of Black Americans, while simultaneously denying any legal basis for reparations for historical wrongs.
Resistance from the West
The abstention of Western nations has raised eyebrows and sparked discussions about the underlying fears of what such a resolution could entail. Many human rights advocates argue that the reluctance of these states to fully endorse the resolution is rooted in a fear of setting a precedent that could lead to substantial reparatory claims. Prior to the vote, representatives from EU states expressed concerns over the retroactive application of international law, revealing an intention to avoid accountability for their historical actions.
The Vatican’s observer at the UN, Archbishop Gabriele Caccia, described the resolution as only a “partial narrative,” notably omitting the papacy’s historical role in endorsing slavery through the edicts of Pope Nicholas V, which sanctioned the enslavement of non-Christians.
A Call to Action
Following this momentous vote, attention now turns to the African Union (AU), which has designated the period from 2026 to 2036 as its “decade of reparations.” Mahama, who is set to take on a leading role within the AU, has expressed optimism about the potential for reparative justice, despite the anticipated resistance from the West. He emphasised the importance of collective action, stating, “We travel this long road, each step guided by a desire to be better and to do better.”
An expert committee within the AU is already laying the groundwork for a reparatory framework, engaging with descendants of enslaved individuals worldwide. As Mahama prepares for a potential leadership position in the AU in 2027, his conviction in the movement’s momentum is palpable.
Why it Matters
This resolution represents more than just a symbolic victory; it signals a pivotal shift in the global dialogue surrounding reparative justice for slavery. The recognition of transatlantic chattel slavery as a crime against humanity opens the door to discussions on reparations, accountability, and healing. As nations grapple with their pasts, the call for reparative justice is not only a moral imperative but also a necessary step towards fostering a more equitable future. The journey towards reconciliation is arduous, but the resounding support at the UN demonstrates that the time for change has indeed arrived.