UN Declares Slave Trade a Crime Against Humanity, Calls for Reparations

The United Nations General Assembly overwhelmingly approved a resolution Wednesday calling for reparations to address the enduring harms caused by the transatlantic slave trade and its legacy. The vote, 123-3 with 52 abstentions, formally recognizes the trade in enslaved Africans as “the gravest crime against humanity” and urges member states to consider concrete steps toward restorative justice.

The resolution isn’t legally binding, but it carries significant moral weight and reflects a growing international conversation about accountability for historical injustices. It specifically calls for “reparatory justice, including a full and formal apology, measures of restitution, compensation, rehabilitation, satisfaction, guarantees of non-repetition and changes to laws, programs and services to address racism and systemic discrimination.” The vote coincided with the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade, commemorating the roughly 13 million Africans forcibly displaced over centuries.

A Historic, Though Non-Binding, Declaration

While the concept of reparations for slavery has been debated for decades, this UN resolution marks a modern level of international recognition of the issue. The vote comes amid a broader global reckoning with colonialism and racial injustice, fueled in part by movements like Black Lives Matter. The resolution also urges the “prompt and unhindered restitution” of cultural items taken during the slave trade to their countries of origin.

The United States, Argentina, and Israel were the only nations to vote against the resolution. The United Kingdom and all 27 members of the European Union abstained. Deputy U.S. Ambassador Dan Negrea explained the U.S. Position, stating that the country opposes the historical wrongdoing of slavery but does not recognize a legal obligation to reparations for wrongs that weren’t illegal under international law at the time they occurred.

The Scope of the Transatlantic Slave Trade

The transatlantic slave trade, spanning from the 16th to the 19th centuries, forcibly transported an estimated 12.5 million Africans to the Americas. Millions more died during the capture, transport, and enslavement process. The trade profoundly shaped the demographics, economies, and social structures of both Africa and the Americas, leaving a legacy of racial inequality and systemic discrimination that persists today. The resolution acknowledges these enduring consequences and emphasizes the need to address them.

Differing Perspectives on Reparations

The debate over reparations is complex and multifaceted. Proponents argue that reparations are necessary to address the economic and social disparities created by slavery and its aftermath. They point to the wealth accumulated by slaveholders and the ongoing disadvantages faced by descendants of enslaved people. Opponents raise concerns about the practicality of determining who is eligible for reparations, the potential financial burden, and the difficulty of assigning blame for historical events.

In the United States, the issue gained renewed prominence following the murder of George Floyd in 2020, with increased calls for federal and local governments to explore reparations programs. However, these efforts have faced significant political and legal challenges.

What the Resolution Actually Asks For

The UN resolution doesn’t prescribe a specific form of reparations. Instead, it calls on member states to engage in dialogue and explore various options, including apologies, restitution of cultural artifacts, financial compensation, and educational initiatives. It also encourages collaboration with organizations like the African Union, the Caribbean Community, and the Organization of American States to develop reparatory justice frameworks. The resolution specifically asks nations to consider changes to laws and programs to address ongoing racism and discrimination.

The Limits of International Resolutions

It’s crucial to understand that resolutions passed by the UN General Assembly are not legally binding. They represent a statement of international opinion and can exert moral and political pressure on member states, but they do not compel them to take specific actions. The effectiveness of this resolution will depend on the willingness of individual nations to engage in good-faith discussions and implement meaningful reforms.

the resolution’s language is broad and open to interpretation. The concept of “reparatory justice” can encompass a wide range of measures, and there is no consensus on what constitutes an adequate response to the harms of slavery.

Next Steps: Dialogue and Deliberation

The adoption of this resolution is likely to spur further debate and discussion about reparations at both the national and international levels. Several nations and organizations are already undertaking studies and initiatives to explore the feasibility and design of reparations programs. The UN Human Rights Office is expected to play a role in facilitating these discussions and providing guidance to member states.

Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, a key architect of the resolution, emphasized its importance as a safeguard against forgetting the horrors of slavery and a step toward healing and reconciliation. The resolution serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring legacy of slavery and the urgent need to address its ongoing consequences.