Story by: Paul Mensah Nsor
The United Nations General Assembly has passed a landmark resolution declaring the transatlantic slave trade a crime against humanity. The resolution, adopted on March 25, 2026, recognizes the enslavement of Africans as one of the most egregious crimes in history, with far-reaching consequences for global economic and social structures.
Ghana's President John Dramani Mahama championed the resolution, emphasizing the need for reparatory justice. The Pan-African Progressive Front (PPF) has welcomed the resolution, calling it a significant step towards addressing historical injustices.
African Union: The AU Assembly unanimously endorsed the resolution in February 2026.
CARICOM: The Caribbean Community expressed solidarity with Africa, highlighting the shared history of enslavement.
US, Israel, Argentina: These countries voted against the resolution, citing concerns about implications for international law.
The resolution urges member states to engage in dialogue on reparations, including issuing formal apologies, returning stolen artefacts, providing financial compensation, and ensuring guarantees of non-repetition. Ghana's Foreign Minister, Samuel Ablakwa, said the resolution calls for accountability and could pave the way for a "reparative framework".
