Ghana Pushes UN to Recognise Slave Trade as Crime Against Humanity

Draft resolution aims to strengthen reparations efforts and address historical injustices Ghana has called on United Nations member states to support a landmark resolution recognising the transatlantic slave trade as “the gravest crime against humanity,” in a move aimed at reinforcing global reparations efforts. Speaking ahead of the proposal’s presentation at the UN General Assembly, Ghana’s representative Samuel Yao Kumah stressed that the initiative seeks political and historical recognition rather than legal classification. The resolution is intended to support ongoing reparations campaigns, particularly those led by Caribbean nations. Kumah emphasised that the measure does not attempt to compare or diminish other historical tragedies, but instead highlights the transatlantic slave trade as a defining moment that reshaped global systems and continues to influence modern inequalities. He noted that such resolutions serve as declaratory political instruments, designed to acknowledge historical realities and foster collective responsibility, rather than create binding legal obligations. The initiative also underscores the long-term impact of systems that once legitimised slavery and racial segregation, with Ghana advocating for greater recognition of this legacy as a foundation for addressing present-day global disparities. If adopted, the resolution could mark a significant step in advancing international dialogue on reparations and historical justice. Source: Newstimehub Ghana UN resolution slave trade recognition reparations debate historical justice global inequality