The United Nations General Assembly has declared the transatlantic slave trade the gravest crime against humanity, adopting a resolution that calls for justice, human rights, dignity and healing.
The resolution, spearheaded by Ghana, was adopted with 123 votes in favour, while the United States, Israel and Argentina voted against it, and 52 countries abstained.
U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres said the transatlantic slave trade “was a crime against humanity that struck at the core of personhood, broke up families and devastated communities.”
He urged the international community to reject “the false narrative of racial difference” and to commit to human rights, equality and the inherent worth of every person.
Applause erupted in the United Nations General Assembly Hall on Wednesday as member states adopted a resolution declaring the transatlantic slave trade the gravest crime against humanity.