Ghana to submit UN resolution on slavery reparations; eyes broad support

2026-03-12 18:50:38

Summary
Ghana seeks UN recognition of slavery as gravest crime
Most European leaders have opposed reparations discussion
African Union and Caribbean nations support reparations resolution

LONDON, March 12 (Reuters) - Ghana intends to propose a United Nations resolution recognising transatlantic slavery as ‌the “gravest crime in the history of humankind” and calling for reparations, and expects broad support despite resistance in Europe.

The West African nation, a prominent advocate of reparations, opens new tab on the continent, plans to table the proposal at the U.N. General Assembly, possibly as early as this month, its Foreign Ministry said in a statement to ⁠Reuters.

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The plan marks a new step in Africa’s efforts to seek accountability for historical injustices by former colonial powers, and the country hopes it will “enjoy the support of many member states”.

“The proposed resolution seeks to recognise transatlantic slave trade as the gravest crime in the history of humankind, taking into account its scale, duration, legalisation and enduring consequences,” it said.

While calls for reparations have gained momentum in recent years, there is also a growing backlash.

Several European leaders have opposed even discussing the subject, with critics arguing today’s states and institutions ‌should not ⁠be held responsible for historical wrongs.

Asked if it expected opposition, the ministry said: “A backlash against truth is one that we hope would not occur. Ghana is not seeking to reopen old wounds but to heal those wounds with truth.”

PUSH FOR REPARATIONS

African and Caribbean nations have been seeking to ⁠establish a special U.N. reparations tribunal, with lawyers noting previous tribunals had been created by resolution or by the Security Council.

The African Union (AU) last year set out to create a “unified vision” among its ⁠55 member states on what reparations may look like, from financial compensation and formal apologies to policy reforms. AU leaders endorsed the proposed resolution at a summit last ⁠month.

Member states of the Caribbean Community, which has outlined its own reparations plan, are also expected to support it.

“We remain optimistic that others would equally be able to do so,” the ministry said.

Reporting by Catarina Demony in London; Editing by Andrei Khalip

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Catarina Demony

Thomson Reuters

Catarina is a UK-based breaking news correspondent. She previously worked as a multimedia journalist in Portugal and Spain, where she covered everything from elections to natural disasters. Catarina has previous experience in TV and local journalism, co-founded a project telling the stories of Portuguese-speakers living in London, edited a youth-led news site and worked for several NGOs. She recently produced a documentary about transatlantic slavery and its legacies in today’s society.

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