Key facts
- A global framework for reparatory justice was adopted in Accra, Ghana.
- The 18-point framework calls for fair compensation for victims of enslavement, colonialism, genocide, and apartheid.
- It also advocates for the return of cultural property, human remains, and archives to countries of origin.
- Multilateral measures for debt relief, restructuring, and cancellation are included to address socioeconomic consequences of historical injustices.
- Three global panels on reparatory justice and restitution were established.
- The conference followed a UN resolution recognizing the trafficking of enslaved Africans as the gravest crime against humanity.
A landmark global framework for reparatory justice was adopted by heads of state, governments, and officials in Accra, Ghana. The 18-point strategy, agreed upon on Friday, aims to address the enduring consequences of enslavement, colonialism, genocide, and apartheid.
The framework calls for fair and adequate compensation for Africans and people of African descent, alongside the accelerated return of cultural property, human remains, and archives to their countries of origin. It also advocates for multilateral measures, including debt relief and restructuring, to tackle socioeconomic impacts stemming from historical injustices.
Participants acknowledged the extensive efforts by various governments, organizations, and individuals in shaping the reparations agenda, committing to transparent dialogue among state and non-state actors. Ruth Ogbewekon of the Pan African Lawyers Union highlighted the inclusive consultation process involving Africa, the diaspora, and non-African allies.
The conference, titled 'Next Steps', also saw the establishment of three global panels: an advisory panel on reparatory justice, an expert panel on cultural artifact restitution, and a legal panel on reparatory justice. These panels are intended to provide intellectual, technical, and policy support for the implementation phase.
Ghana's President John Mahama, who also serves as the African Union Champion on Reparations, emphasized that recognition of past wrongs creates responsibility and necessitates coordinated international engagement. Prime Minister Mia Mottley of Barbados announced a revision of the Caribbean Community's (Caricom) 10-point reparation plan to address the disproportionate impact on girls and women, urging a united global approach. Presidents Joseph Boakai Sr of Liberia, Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah of Namibia, and Bassirou Diomaye Faye of Senegal were among leaders on the advisory panel, underscoring the transcontinental nature of the crime and the ambition for justice.
The adoption of this framework follows a recent UN General Assembly resolution, proposed by Ghana on behalf of AU member states, which recognized the trafficking of enslaved Africans and chattel enslavement as the gravest crime against humanity. The resolution urges UN member states to engage in good-faith dialogue on reparatory justice and facilitate the restitution of valuable properties.