The United Nations General Assembly adopted a Ghana-led resolution recognising transatlantic slavery as the gravest crime against humanity and calling for reparations. The resolution passed with strong support despite opposition from the United States and concerns raised by the European Union. It marks a significant step in global efforts to address historical injustices and promote accountability for slavery’s lasting impact.
The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a resolution proposed by Ghana recognising transatlantic slavery as the gravest crime against humanity and calling for reparations, despite opposition from the United States and parts of Europe.
The resolution was passed on Wednesday with 123 countries voting in favour, while three countries, including the United States and Israel, voted against it. A further 52 countries abstained, including members of the European Union and Britain. Although the resolution is not legally binding, it carries significant political weight and reflects growing global attention on historical injustices.
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Ghana argued that the resolution was necessary because the impact of transatlantic slavery continues to be felt today. The trade, which took place between the 15th and 19th centuries, saw at least 12.5 million Africans taken from the continent and sold into slavery. Ghana said the lasting consequences include racial inequalities and economic disparities that persist across societies.
Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Ablakwa, said the resolution was aimed at ensuring accountability for historical wrongs. He stated that acknowledging the past is an important step toward addressing its ongoing effects and building a more just global system.
Legal scholar Justin Hansford described the resolution as a major milestone. He said it represents the most significant action taken by the United Nations so far in recognising transatlantic slavery as a crime against humanity and in calling for reparations. Hansford noted that this was the first time such a measure had been brought to a full vote at the General Assembly.
The resolution calls on member states to begin discussions on reparations. These include issuing formal apologies, returning stolen cultural artefacts, providing financial compensation, and putting in place guarantees to prevent similar injustices in the future. It also encourages continued dialogue among countries on how such measures can be implemented.
Antonio Guterres told the assembly that stronger action is needed from countries to confront historical injustices. He said that more states must take responsibility and move beyond statements to meaningful steps that address the legacy of slavery. At present, the Netherlands is the only European country to have issued a formal apology for its role in slavery.
The adoption of the resolution marks a new phase in efforts by African nations to seek accountability from former colonial powers. The African Union had earlier outlined a plan to create a unified approach among its 55 member states on the issue of reparations. The new resolution is seen as part of that broader strategy to push for recognition and redress.
However, the resolution also highlights divisions among countries. The United States and the European Union raised concerns that the resolution could create a hierarchy among crimes against humanity, suggesting that some are treated as more serious than others. They also questioned the application of modern international law to historical events.
U.S. representative Dan Negrea said his country opposed what he described as the use of historical wrongs to influence the allocation of present-day resources. Meanwhile, EU representative Gabriella Michaelidou said the bloc had concerns about the legal and factual basis of the resolution, including the issue of applying laws retroactively.
Historian Babatunde Mesewaku said that, in his view, transatlantic slavery stands as the gravest crime against humanity due to its scale and duration. Speaking from Badagry in Nigeria, a key historical slave port, he pointed to the millions of lives affected and the long-term damage caused to African societies and economies.
Despite growing support for reparations, there has also been resistance. Some Western leaders argue that present-day governments and institutions should not be held responsible for actions that took place centuries ago. This debate continues to shape international discussions on justice and accountability.
Ghana has also faced criticism for its stance, with some pointing to its domestic policies while it advocates for justice on the global stage. Nonetheless, supporters of the resolution believe it could lay the groundwork for future initiatives, including the possible creation of a special United Nations reparations tribunal.
Ablakwa said the resolution could help establish a framework for reparations and emphasised the importance of addressing historical injustices. He stated that acknowledging past crimes is necessary for achieving lasting justice, adding that history remains relevant regardless of the time that has passed.
