The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a resolution declaring the trafficking of enslaved Africans the gravest crime against humanity and calling for reparations to address historical injustices. Get today's headlines by email The measure passed with 123 votes in favour in the 193-member body. Three countries — the United States, Argentina and Israel — voted against it, while 52 states abstained. UN approves resolution on slavery and reparationsAll members of the European Union, along with the United Kingdom, were among those that did not support the measure. The resolution describes the transatlantic slave trade as a historic injustice and calls for reparatory measures as a step toward addressing its lasting consequences. It also urges the return of cultural items such as artworks, monuments, museum objects, documents and archives to their countries of origin without charge. US opposition over reparations languageBefore the vote, Dan Negrea, deputy US ambassador to the United Nations, said Washington rejects the legal basis for reparations tied to historical events. He said the United States condemns the transatlantic slave trade and all forms of slavery but does not recognise a legal right to reparations for actions that were not illegal under international law when they occurred. Negrea also criticised wording that labels the slave trade the “gravest” crime against humanity. He said creating a hierarchy among such crimes risks diminishing the suffering of victims of other atrocities. Resolutions adopted by the General Assembly are not legally binding but reflect the views of the international community. Supporters stress historical justiceSupporters of the measure said the resolution aims to acknowledge the scale of the transatlantic slave trade and its enduring impact. John Dramani Mahama, president of Ghana and a key supporter of the initiative, said the vote recognised the suffering of millions enslaved over centuries. Speaking before the vote, he described the resolution as a step toward healing and reparative justice and said it would help ensure the history of slavery is not forgotten. The vote took place on the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade, which honours the estimated 13 million Africans who were enslaved and transported across the Atlantic. Diplomats applauded the adoption of the measure after the vote was confirmed. Western nations voice concernsWestern governments that abstained said they share the condemnation of slavery but raised concerns about aspects of the text. James Kariuki, acting UN ambassador for the United Kingdom, said the history and lasting consequences of slavery must never be forgotten. He added that countries should address ongoing issues linked to discrimination, racism and intolerance. He also pointed to modern forms of exploitation — including trafficking, forced labour and sexual exploitation — as issues requiring continued global attention. Representing the European Union, Gabriella Michaelidou said the bloc objected to language that could suggest a ranking among crimes against humanity. She also questioned legal references in the resolution that imply international rules could apply retroactively to historical events. The resolution calls on countries to engage in discussions on reparatory justice, including formal apologies, restitution, compensation, rehabilitation and legal reforms aimed at addressing racism and systemic discrimination. It also encourages cooperation between the African Union, the Caribbean Community and the Organization of American States to advance reconciliation efforts and education about the transatlantic slave trade. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 27 March 2026
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