UN supports call for slavery reparations

The UN Committee against Racial Discrimination (CERD) has called on states to pursue comprehensive reparations for the trafficking of enslaved Africans and racialized slavery, saying their effects continue to be felt through systemic racism and racial inequality.

In a statement marking the International Day of People of African Descent, the committee urged governments to combine compensation, restitution and rehabilitation with structural reforms aimed at addressing the continuing effects of historical injustices.

CERD said the passage of time should not prevent states from recognizing historical injustices or taking measures to address their consequences. It called for national action plans with clear deadlines, developed in consultation with people of African descent and bodies responsible for reparations.

The committee also urged governments to repeal or revise laws and policies that perpetuate racial discrimination or obstruct restorative justice.

CERD said acknowledgements and apologies should be accompanied by concrete measures rather than replacing other forms of redress.

The committee further highlighted the role of private and non-state actors, including religious organizations, universities, businesses, banks, insurers and other financial institutions that participated in, facilitated or benefited from the trafficking of enslaved Africans.

It called on states to ensure such actors recognize their historical roles, open relevant archives and contribute to reparations in proportion to their involvement and the benefits they derived.

CERD said the legacy of slavery continues to contribute to racial disparities in areas including education, health, economic mobility and environmental security, with anti-Black racism reinforced by policies that perpetuate racial inequalities.