Accra, Ghana. Ghana intends to propose a United Nations resolution recognising transatlantic slavery as the “gravest crime in the history of humankind” and calling for reparations, anticipating broad support despite resistance in Europe.
Proposal at the U.N. General Assembly
Ghana 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. Ghana said it hopes the resolution will “enjoy the support of many member states.”
Resolution language and aims
“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,” the ministry said.
Support and opposition
Ghana said calls for reparations have gained momentum in recent years, while noting a growing backlash. Several European leaders have opposed even discussing reparations, 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.”
Wider African and Caribbean efforts
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 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.
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