THE United Nations has stated that countries could explore financial reparations as a potential means of compensating for the historical enslavement of people of African descent. This recommendation comes in a report issued by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, acknowledging the complexities of legal claims arising from the passage of time and the difficulties in identifying those responsible and affected.
The report highlights that no country has fully accounted for its historical involvement in the violent uprooting of an estimated 25 million to 30 million people from Africa during a period spanning over 400 years. In the context of international human rights law, the report suggests that compensation, deemed appropriate and proportional to the gravity of the violation and specific circumstances, could serve as a form of reparations.
However, the assessment of economic damage related to historical wrongs and harms stemming from colonialism and enslavement is notably challenging due to the significant passage of time and the complexities associated with identifying perpetrators and victims. The report emphasises that these difficulties in making legal claims for compensation should not nullify the existence of underlying legal obligations.
The idea of reparations or making amends for the legacy of slavery has a long history, gaining momentum globally in recent years, particularly due to mounting demands from African and Caribbean countries. In July, the European Union acknowledged that Europe’s history of slave trading had inflicted ‘untold suffering’ on millions and hinted at the need for reparations, referring to it as a ‘crime against humanity.’
The UN report concludes by urging states to consider a ‘plurality of measures’ to address the legacies of enslavement and colonialism. These measures include pursuing justice and reparations while contributing to the process of reconciliation. The report reflects the growing recognition of the need to address historical injustices and their lasting impacts on communities around the world.