International Call for Slavery Reparations Gains Momentum

Unsplash Fort of Goree Island, Senegal, was the site of one of the earliest European settlements in Western Africa.

Introduction to the Issue

Speakers at the fourth session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on People of African Descent said on Tuesday that the world can no longer ignore calls for slavery reparations. They called for governments, civil society groups, and regional organizations to work together to create a system that pays back Africa and its diaspora for the harms of colonialism, slavery, apartheid, and genocide between the 16th and 19th centuries.

Africa’s Suffering and the Need for Reparations

Hilary Brown, speaking for the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), said that Africa had suffered deeply during centuries of slavery and exploitation. “Africa was under siege,” she said, adding that Europe destroyed Africa’s systems and stole its people.

Justice and Partnership

Brown spoke about a stronger partnership between CARICOM and the African Union (AU), which has chosen “Justice for Africans and the People of African Descent through reparations” as its theme for 2025. She said this new unity marks an important moment in the global reparations movement, as African nations and the diaspora are now speaking with one voice. She called for a joint strategy to push for reparations through the UN, the Commonwealth, and other international groups. Brown also called for talks with all those who gained from slavery — including governments, churches, universities, and businesses — and urged the creation of a high-level forum on reparatory justice.

African Union’s Stance

Angela Naa Afoley Odai, speaking for the African Union Commission, said the AU wants to take a united approach in seeking justice. She mentioned that in 2025, a summit in Ghana agreed to start a Global Reparations Fund, to be based in Africa. So far, few details are known about how it will work.

Civil Society’s Role

The speakers also stressed how important civil society has been in the reparations movement. Nkechi Taifa, who leads the Reparation Education Project in the U.S., said that the global movement began with the passion of the people, not governments. She spoke about historic civil rights leaders like Marcus Garvey and the late “Queen Mother” Audely Moore, saying that Africans in the diaspora may be scattered, but they are still connected. Taifa said the UN Forum must remain a space where civil society and governments are equals in shaping reparations policy.

UN Backs Reparations

The meeting was led by June Soomer, a member of the UN Forum, who said reparatory justice is an urgent global issue. The Forum’s chairman, Martin Kimani, welcomed everyone. The UN has already stated that slavery and the transatlantic slave trade were crimes against humanity. It has also called for action to repair the harm done. UN Secretary-General António Guterres, in a statement for the Forum, said that justice should follow international human rights law and involve the full participation of the communities affected. He said reparations must address both past and current injustices linked to racism. The idea of “remedial actions” for racism was also included in the Durban Declaration adopted in 2001 at a major UN conference in South Africa.

Conclusion

The call for slavery reparations is gaining momentum globally, with the UN, African nations, and civil society groups pushing for a system to pay back Africa and its diaspora for centuries of exploitation. The movement seeks to address past and current injustices linked to racism and to promote reparatory justice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the purpose of the Global Reparations Fund?

The Global Reparations Fund aims to provide reparations to Africa and its diaspora for the harms of colonialism, slavery, apartheid, and genocide.

Who is involved in the reparations movement?

The reparations movement involves governments, civil society groups, regional organizations, and international groups such as the UN and the African Union.

What is the role of civil society in the reparations movement?

Civil society plays a crucial role in the reparations movement, as it began with the passion of the people and not governments. Civil society groups continue to push for reparations and shape policy alongside governments.

Source: United Nations.