Ghana calls on the UN to declare the transatlantic slave trade a crime against humanity
Ghana calls on the UN to acknowledge the transatlantic slave trade as a crime against humanity, advocating for historical accountability and justice.
Samuel Yao Kumah, Ghana’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, stated that the proposal seeks to enhance international recognition of the historical injustices and enduring global effects of the slave trade.
Kumah emphasized that the resolution is not meant to rank historical atrocities or compare suffering but to officially acknowledge a system that significantly transformed the modern world and continues to impact global inequality.
He observed that crimes like genocide, apartheid, and colonial violence continue to be unequivocally condemned by international law, emphasizing that the initiative prioritizes recognition over legal hierarchy.
For Ghana, the proposal signifies a commitment to addressing history transparently while fostering wider discussions on justice, accountability, and reparative actions.
Kumah emphasized that backing the resolution ought to be considered a collective moral obligation instead of a blame game, asserting that recognizing history is crucial for fostering dignity, equality, and truth.
From 1501 to 1867, over 13 million Africans were forcibly transported across the Atlantic via the transatlantic slave trade, leaving a legacy that continues to influence global social and economic disparities today.
