The United Nations on Wednesday passed a landmark resolution recognising the transatlantic slave trade as “the gravest crime against humanity,” a decision hailed across West Africa and by the African Union.
“This is a historic moment,” said Wenceslas Avosse from Benin, celebrating the UN’s acknowledgment of the injustices suffered by Africans and their descendants.
West African Reception
The resolution received broad support from West African nations, including Togo and Ghana, which initiated the measure. Historically, this region was heavily affected by the slave trade, with ports like Ouidah and Lagos serving as major departure points for enslaved Africans shipped to the Americas.
“This is a powerful acknowledgement of the injustices suffered by Africans and their descendants,” Avosse added.
African Union Endorsement
The African Union Commission welcomed the resolution, commending Ghana’s leadership in pushing for its adoption. In a statement, the AU said:
“This historic decision marks an important step toward truth, justice, and healing, and reinforces the urgent need to address the enduring legacy of slavery.”
The statement further emphasized the AU’s call for comprehensive acknowledgment of both the historical and contemporary impacts of slavery, including pursuing reparative justice.
Significance
The UN vote, passed despite opposition from the United States and some European countries, represents a milestone in global recognition of slavery’s enduring legacy. Observers note it may strengthen calls for reparations, educational initiatives, and broader efforts to confront the historical injustices tied to the transatlantic slave trade.
