UN to Vote on Slave Trade Reparations as Ghana Calls It “Gravest Crime”
Ghana’s foreign minister has called slavery the “most horrendous crime in the history of mankind.” He spoke to the BBC ahead of a landmark UN vote. Member states will vote on a resolution led by Ghana. The resolution recognises the transatlantic slave trade as “the gravest crime against humanity.” It urges countries to consider apologising for the slave trade. It also calls for contributions to a reparations fund.
Resistance Expected
The proposal is likely to face resistance. The UK has long rejected paying reparations. Officials say today’s institutions cannot be held responsible for past wrongs. Therefore, this UN slave trade reparations vote will test global consensus.
Healing and Justice
The African Union and the Caribbean Community support the proposal. Advocates say it is a step toward healing and justice. Ghana’s foreign minister insisted leaders are “not asking for money for themselves.” They want justice for victims, educational funds, and skills training.
Momentum Builds
The campaign for reparations has gained momentum recently. “Reparatory justice” was the African Union’s official theme for 2025. Commonwealth leaders have jointly called for dialogue on the matter.The UN vote will reveal how far the world is willing to go to address historic wrongs.
