UN votes to recognise enslavement of Africans as ‘gravest crime against humanity’
The United Nations General Assembly has taken a historic step by officially recognising the transatlantic slave trade and the enslavement of Africans as “the gravest crime against humanity.” The resolution, proposed by Ghana, was adopted with 123 countries voting in favour, while the United States, Israel, and Argentina opposed it. Although not legally binding, the decision reflects a powerful global consensus and is seen as a major milestone in the ongoing push for justice and remembrance.
For millions across Africa and the diaspora, the vote carries deep emotional weight. Between the 1500s and 1800s, an estimated 12 to 15 million Africans were forcibly taken from their homes and transported to the Americas, with over two million dying during the brutal journey. Ghana’s President John Mahama described the resolution as a moment where the world chose to honour the memory of those who suffered and to confront the lasting scars of slavery.
Beyond recognition, the resolution urges nations to consider formal apologies and contribute to reparations efforts, including funding for education, skills development, and community support. Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, stressed that the demand is not about personal gain but about justice and restoring dignity to affected communities. He noted that the effects of slavery are still visible today through racial inequality and economic disparities.
However, the vote also exposed deep divisions among global powers. Countries like the United Kingdom and members of the European Union abstained, while the United States rejected the idea of reparations, arguing that historical actions cannot be judged by modern legal standards. Critics also questioned how reparations would be distributed and who would qualify as beneficiaries, highlighting the complexity of turning acknowledgment into actionable policy.
Still, momentum for reparatory justice continues to grow globally, with the African Union and Caribbean nations leading the charge. The resolution also calls for the return of cultural artefacts taken during colonial rule, adding another layer to the demand for historical accountability. For many, this UN decision is not the end of the conversation—but a significant step toward healing, recognition, and a more honest reckoning with the past.
source: BBC