A new United Nations resolution recognising the transatlantic slave trade as one of the gravest crimes against humanity could pave the way for future reparations claims, the Chief Executive Officer of the Social Investment Fund, Abass Nurudeen, has said.
Reacting to the vote, Nurudeen noted that although the resolution is not legally binding, it establishes a critical foundation for justice.
“It may not have legal force today, but it sets the basis for future reparatory claims. These processes often begin with recognition,” he said on Metro TV.
The UN General Assembly adopted the resolution with overwhelming support, marking a significant moment in the global push for accountability over historical injustices linked to slavery.
Nurudeen stressed that reparations should not be narrowly defined as financial compensation.
“Reparation is not only about money. It includes acknowledgement, apology, restitution and memorialisation,” he said.
He argued that countries that played central roles in the slave trade must take responsibility through formal apologies and tangible actions.
He also dismissed arguments that Africa’s internal participation in the slave trade weakens the case for reparations.
“In every criminal enterprise, there may be accomplices, but responsibility lies primarily with those who designed and drove the system,” he explained.
The resolution, championed by President John Dramani Mahama in his role within the African Union, is being seen as a step toward reshaping global discourse on historical accountability.
