UN declares slave trade gravest crime against humanity, calls for reparations to remedy historical wrongs
On March 25, the United Nations GeneralAssembly adopted a landmark resolution naming transatlantic and other forms of slavery as "the gravest crimes" under international law. The historic vote called upon states with colonial empires in Africa or elsewhere that enslaved people for profit to pay reparations so victims can be compensated today. While most nations supported this move, Britain abstained from the key decision on recognizing historical atrocities against humanity and their modern consequences.
Key Points
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1The UN General Assembly unanimously supported (with only three opposing votes) a new resolution declaring the transatlantic slave trade to be "gravest crime against humanity".
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2Ghana proposed this landmark motion, which was adopted despite opposition from major powers including the United States and Israel who argued it would reopen historical wounds without solutions for present-day slavery issues.
Perspectives
The United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution naming the transatlantic slave trade "gravest crime against humanity," supported by 123 countries.
— [Mar 25, 18:06] UNO verurteilt Sklavenhandel als 'schwerstes Verbrechen gegen die Menschlichkeit' (Stern.de)The resolution was proposed by Ghana and calls for reparations as a concrete step towards remedying historical wrongs.
— [Mar 25, 17:06] UN Calls African Slave Trade 'Gravest Crime Against Humanity' (Deccanchronicle) [Note: Excerpt in prompt says Wednesay but date is Mar 25]The United States and Israel opposed the resolution.
— [Mar 18, 06] UN passes resolution naming slave trade 'gravest crime against humanity' (Al Jazeera English)Britain abstained from voting on this key issue at a time when it is trying to repair its relationship with Africa by supporting African initiatives in the United Nations.
— [Mar 25, 18:06] Britain's role as an ally of Ghana and other nations