The Integrated Social Development Centre (ISODEC) has commended the Government of Ghana and President John Dramani Mahama for spearheading the successful passage of a historic United Nations resolution on reparative justice for slavery.
In a press statement issued on March 31, 2026, ISODEC described the resolution—which declares the transatlantic slave trade as “the gravest crime against humanity”—as a major milestone in the global pursuit of justice for people of African descent.
The organisation noted that the resolution formally recognises the transatlantic slave trade, which led to the forced displacement of more than 12 million Africans, as a systemic crime with enduring consequences, rather than a distant historical tragedy.
This historic resolution declaring the transatlantic slave trade ‘the gravest crime against humanity’ is a major win not only for people of Africa and African descent but also for all those who strive for justice in the world,” the statement said.
It further highlighted that the resolution calls on UN member states to consider formal apologies and contribute to reparations aimed at addressing persistent social, economic, and racial inequalities linked to slavery. It also advocates the repatriation of looted cultural artefacts and the promotion of education to preserve the history and resistance of enslaved peoples.
ISODEC emphasised that while the resolution is not legally binding, it represents a significant shift in global discourse by firmly placing reparative justice within mainstream international diplomacy. The group said the development provides renewed momentum for advocacy efforts led by organisations such as the African Union and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
The statement also called for concrete steps to translate the resolution into meaningful outcomes, including the establishment of a formal UN mechanism to oversee reparations, facilitate negotiations, and coordinate the return of cultural artefacts.
ISODEC urged countries that opposed or abstained from the resolution to reconsider their positions and engage constructively, stressing that moral responsibility should not be overshadowed by legal concerns.
Additionally, the organisation encouraged the international community to adopt CARICOM’s 10-Point Reparations Plan as a practical framework for implementation, including measures such as formal apologies, debt cancellation, and investments in health, education, and development.
The group further called on civil society actors, scholars, and policymakers to leverage the resolution as a platform to push for concrete domestic and foreign policies that advance reparative justice.
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