IN a significant move aimed at addressing the enduring legacies of transatlantic slavery, Caribbean ambassador David Comissiong has urged the establishment of a new international special tribunal to seek reparations for this historical injustice. Comissiong, who serves as the Barbados ambassador to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and is a prominent advocate for reparations, emphasised the necessity of such a tribunal given the magnitude and complexity of reparations claims.
Speaking at the third session of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent (PFPAD) in Geneva, Comissiong highlighted the lack of an international court equipped to effectively address reparations claims stemming from transatlantic slavery. ‘We need this tribunal because there is no international court that is properly equipped to deal with reparations claims of this magnitude and complexity,’ stated Comissiong.
He stressed the importance of securing a ‘positive decision’ from the UN General Assembly to establish this critical institution. ‘Let us resolve to put in the international advocacy work to successfully deliver the creation of this critical institution at the UN General Assembly,’ Comissiong urged. ‘Let us all rally around the forum and make this happen.’
Comissiong’s call for the reparations tribunal was echoed by representatives from other nations present at the session, including Guyana and Venezuela, indicating growing international support for this initiative.
The proposal for such a tribunal follows a recent report by Africa Briefing, which highlighted increasing backing from African and Caribbean nations for the creation of an international tribunal focused on addressing atrocities linked to transatlantic slavery. This initiative faces considerable challenges, including securing the cooperation of nations involved in transatlantic slavery and navigating legal complexities related to identifying responsible parties and determining appropriate remedies.
The notion of reparations for transatlantic slavery has a contentious history but has gained momentum globally in recent years. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in a video message at the opening of the PFPAD session, emphasised that addressing racism must include efforts to reckon with centuries of enslavement and colonialism, with reparations forming a crucial part of these efforts. However, proponents acknowledge that the road to establishing the tribunal will be arduous, requiring concerted international cooperation and navigating complex legal and historical challenges.