The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a resolution designating the transatlantic African slave trade as “the gravest crime against humanity,” despite opposition from the United States and some European nations.
The resolution was passed on Wednesday with 123 votes in favour, three against, and 52 abstentions, drawing applause from delegates. The United States, Israel, and Argentina voted against the measure, while the United Kingdom and European Union member states abstained.
John Mahama, who attended the session in New York, described the resolution as a step toward healing and reparative justice, urging global recognition of historical injustices. He said the move would help preserve the memory of the atrocities and advance efforts toward restorative justice.
Although non-binding, the resolution calls on nations involved in the slave trade to engage in restorative measures and acknowledges the enduring legacy of slavery, including racial discrimination and neo-colonialism.
António Guterres said the transatlantic slave trade inflicted profound human suffering, devastating communities and entrenching racist ideologies used to justify the practice.
However, the United States criticised the resolution as “problematic,” rejecting any legal basis for reparations tied to historical actions that were not considered illegal under international law at the time. US representative Dan Negrea also opposed what he described as attempts to rank crimes against humanity.
European representatives echoed similar concerns, warning against comparing historical tragedies, even as they acknowledged the injustices of slavery.
Meanwhile, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa called for formal apologies from countries involved in the slave trade and advocated the return of looted artifacts, as well as broader measures to address structural racism and provide compensation to affected populations.
