AU Hails UN Resolution Declaring Slave Trade Crime Against Humanity
The African Union (AU) has hailed a “historic” breakthrough after the United Nations General Assembly officially declared the slave trade the “most serious crime against humanity.” The resolution, championed by Ghana and supported by a wide coalition of nations, marks a significant shift in the global push for historical justice and reparations.
A Global Landmark for Justice
Approved on Wednesday, the resolution moves beyond historical acknowledgment to demand concrete action. For the first time, a UN text classifies the trafficking of enslaved Africans and racialized enslavement as an unparalleled crime, citing its systemic brutality, immense scale, and devastating long-term consequences. The motion received 123 votes in favor, while 52 nations abstained and three voted against.
Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, praised the decision as a vital step toward healing. “This historic decision marks an important step toward truth, justice, and reparation,” Youssouf said in a statement. “It reinforces the urgent need to address the lasting legacy of slavery.”
Divisions Among Global Powers
While the resolution saw broad support from African and South American nations—including Brazil, Angola, and Mozambique—several European powers formerly involved in the transatlantic slave trade chose to abstain. Portugal, the United Kingdom, Spain, and France were among the 52 nations that did not cast a supporting vote.
The African Union reiterated its commitment to working with the UN and international partners to ensure these crimes are never forgotten. The organization framed the resolution as a key component of its “Agenda 2063,” a strategic framework for the socio-economic transformation of the continent.
Demands for Reparations and Restitution
The resolution is more than a symbolic gesture; it outlines a comprehensive framework for “reparative justice.” Key demands include:
- Formal Apologies: UN member states are urged to consider issuing full and formal apologies for their roles in the slave trade.
- A Financial Fund: The text advocates for the creation of a reparations fund to aid in restitution, compensation, and rehabilitation.
- Return of Heritage: The resolution calls for the “immediate and unhindered restitution” of cultural assets, artifacts, and national archives to their countries of origin at no cost.
- Systemic Change: It demands legislative updates to combat contemporary racism and systemic discrimination rooted in historical injustices.
The Path Forward
While UN General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding, unlike those passed by the Security Council, they carry immense moral and political weight, serving as a powerful barometer of global opinion. The AU emphasized that acknowledging these claims is a “concrete step” toward remedying centuries of injustice and promoting human dignity for Africans and people of African descent worldwide.
Image: Pexels – Christian Wasserfallen
