The UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) has said countries are legally obliged to consider reparations for the harms caused by the transatlantic slave trade.
Reuters reports that, in guidance published on Monday, the committee said states must provide broad reparations for the harms caused by their direct or indirect involvement in the transatlantic slave trade.
This report comes five months after the UN General Assembly voted to recognise the transatlantic slave trade as the gravest crime against humanity. PREMIUM TIMES reports that Ghana had introduced the resolution to the assembly. It asked that the UN members consider apologising for the slave trade and for the designation of a reparations fund.
Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Ablakwa, said the reparations funds will be used to repair the damage caused by slavery.
“We are demanding compensation – and let us be clear, African leaders are not asking for money for themselves. We want justice for the victims and causes to be supported, educational and endowment funds, skills training funds,” he said.
