The United Nations General Assembly has voted to recognise the enslavement of Africans during the transatlantic slave trade as the “gravest crime against humanity,” following a resolution proposed by Ghana.
The motion was presented by President John Dramani Mahama on March 25, 2026, during events marking the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade. It calls on UN member states to acknowledge the historical injustice of slavery, consider issuing formal apologies, and support efforts toward reparative justice, including contributions to a reparations fund, although no specific amounts were stated.
A total of 123 countries voted in favour of the resolution, signalling broad international support for recognising the scale and lasting impact of the transatlantic slave trade. Supporters say the move is an important step toward healing and addressing the enduring social and economic consequences of slavery for people of African descent worldwide.
However, the vote was not unanimous. The United States, Argentina, and Israel voted against the motion, while 52 countries abstained.
Although the resolution does not impose legal obligations, it urges countries to engage in dialogue and take concrete actions to acknowledge and remedy the long-term effects of the slave trade. Advocates believe the decision marks a significant milestone in global efforts to confront historical injustices and promote reconciliation.
