African Union hails UN slavery resolution as ‘important step toward truth, justice, and healing’
Resolution passed 123 - 3, with US, Israel, Argentina opposing; 52 countries abstained, including EU members, UK, Canada, Japan, others
ISTANBUL
African Union (AU) Commission Chair Mahmoud Ali Youssouf on Thursday hailed a UN resolution declaring the transatlantic slave trade and the enslavement of Africans as the gravest crimes against humanity as “an important step toward truth, justice, and healing.”
Youssouf said the resolution, moved by Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, the AU champion on reparations, “reinforces the urgent need to address the enduring legacy of slavery.”
He lauded Mahama’s “important leadership,” saying it embodies Africa’s enduring and principled demand for full recognition of the slave trade and its ongoing effect.
Youssouf reaffirmed the AU’s demand for comprehensive acknowledgment of slavery’s historical and present-day effects, including efforts toward reparative justice.
The resolution passed with overwhelming support on Wednesday, receiving 123 votes in favor and three against from the US, Israel, and Argentina.
Fifty-two countries abstained, including EU members, the UK, Canada, Japan, and others, while African nations and other Global South countries gave strong backing to the resolution.
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