UK Abstains as UN Declares Slave Trade 'Gravest Crime Against Humanity'
The United Nations General Assembly has formally recognised the trafficking of enslaved Africans as "the gravest crime against humanity" in a landmark resolution passed on Wednesday. The measure also calls for reparations to address historical injustices and urges the restitution of cultural artefacts to their countries of origin.
Vote Results and International Positions
The resolution passed with 123 votes in favour, three against, and 52 abstentions within the 193-member body. Argentina, Israel, and the United States opposed the measure, while the United Kingdom and several European Union member states chose to abstain.
Speaking on behalf of mainly Western nations, the United Kingdom's acting U.N. Ambassador James Kariuki stated that the history of slavery and "its devastating consequences and long-lasting impacts" must never be forgotten. He emphasised Western commitment to tackling persistent issues like racial discrimination, racism, xenophobia, and intolerance, while also addressing modern slavery including trafficking, forced labour, and sexual exploitation.
Resolution Details and Reparations Call
The resolution unequivocally condemns the trafficking of enslaved Africans and racialised chattel enslavement as the most inhumane and enduring injustice against humanity. It affirms the importance of addressing historical wrongs "in a manner that promotes justice, human rights, dignity and healing."
Key provisions of the resolution include:
- Calls for "prompt and unhindered restitution" of cultural artefacts including artworks, monuments, and national archives to their countries of origin without charge
- Urges member nations to engage in talks on reparatory justice including formal apologies, restitution, compensation, and legal changes
- Encourages voluntary contributions to promote education about the transatlantic slave trade
- Requests collaboration between regional organisations and U.N. bodies on reparatory justice and reconciliation
Global Context and Significance
Ghana's President John Dramani Mahama, a key architect of the resolution, told the assembly before the vote: "Today, we come together in solemn solidarity to affirm truth and pursue a route to healing and reparative justice." He added that the resolution serves as "a safeguard against forgetting" the millions who suffered the indignity of slavery.
In the United States, support for reparations gained momentum following the murder of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer in 2020. However, the issue has been caught up in broader conservative backlash over how race, history, and inequality are addressed in public institutions.
Unlike Security Council resolutions, General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding but represent an important reflection of world opinion. The resolution encourages the African Union, the Caribbean Community, and the Organization of American States to work with U.N. bodies and other nations on reparatory justice initiatives.
