The United Nations General Assembly has officially described the transatlantic African slave trade as “the gravest crime against humanity,” a decision reached despite resistance from the United States and several European nations.
The resolution was passed on Wednesday with strong support, receiving 123 votes in favor, three against, and 52 abstentions. The United States, Israel, and Argentina voted against it, while the United Kingdom and European Union member states chose to abstain.
Ghana’s President, John Mahama, attended the session in New York to back the resolution, reaffirming Africa’s call for justice and reparations. He stated that the move represents a collective effort to acknowledge historical truth and promote healing, adding that it helps prevent the world from forgetting the atrocities of slavery.
Although the resolution is not legally binding, it urges countries involved in the slave trade to take steps toward restorative justice. It also draws attention to the lasting effects of slavery, including ongoing racial discrimination and forms of neo-colonial influence in modern society.
The UN Secretary-General emphasized that the transatlantic slave trade caused deep human suffering, tearing families apart and destroying communities. He further noted that those who supported slavery created racist ideologies to justify their actions.
However, the United States criticized the resolution, describing it as problematic. Its representative argued that there is no legal basis for reparations tied to actions that were not considered illegal under international law at the time. Concerns were also raised about the resolution appearing to rank crimes against humanity.
European representatives echoed similar concerns, warning that comparing historical tragedies could undermine the memory of victims.
In response, Ghana’s Foreign Minister rejected claims that the resolution attempts to compare suffering. He insisted that nations responsible for the slave trade should formally apologize and take responsibility. He also proposed the return of stolen cultural artifacts, addressing systemic racism, and offering compensation as possible steps toward justice.
