World leaders have renewed calls for reparatory justice for victims of slavery and colonialism, urging the international community to take concrete steps to address the lasting consequences of the transatlantic slave trade and centuries of colonial exploitation.
The call came at the close of the three-day Next Steps Conference on Reparatory Justice in Accra, Ghana, which brought together the Presidents of Senegal, Namibia, Liberia and São Tomé and Príncipe, the Prime Minister of Barbados, the Vice Prime Minister of Equatorial Guinea, 34 Foreign Affairs and Justice ministers, senior government officials, legal experts, scholars and civil society leaders from Africa, the Caribbean, the Americas and other regions.
Convened by Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama with the support of the African Union (AU) and UNESCO, the conference focused on advancing global efforts to secure reparatory justice and ensuring greater recognition of the enduring impact of slavery and colonialism.
The summit took place three months after the United Nations General Assembly adopted the landmark Declaration on the Trafficking of Enslaved Africans and Racialised Chattel Enslavement of Africans as the Gravest Crime Against Humanity (A/RES/80/250) on March 25, 2026.
The declaration recognises the trafficking and racialised chattel enslavement of Africans as one of history’s gravest crimes against humanity and affirms the importance of truth, remembrance, education and historical justice as essential pillars of reconciliation and sustainable peace. It also acknowledges that the economic, social and political consequences of slavery continue to affect African and African-descendant communities across the world.
Participants described the UN resolution as a watershed moment in the global campaign for reparatory justice and said it provides a stronger legal and moral foundation for advancing the reparations agenda.
“The adoption of the UN declaration is not the end of the journey; it is the beginning of a renewed global commitment to justice, truth and accountability for one of humanity’s greatest injustices.”
Delegates stressed that reparatory justice extends beyond financial compensation to include historical recognition, institutional reforms, education, cultural restitution and policies that address the enduring inequalities created by slavery and colonialism.
“Reparatory justice is about restoring dignity. It is about acknowledging historical truth, healing generations of injustice and creating opportunities for communities that continue to bear the consequences of slavery and colonial exploitation.”
Speakers at the conference urged the international community to move from declarations to practical action.
“Recognition is important, but recognition alone is not enough. The time has come to translate global commitments into meaningful actions that promote justice, equity and sustainable development.”
They also called for stronger partnerships among African nations and the African diaspora to sustain advocacy for reparatory justice.
“Africa and the Diaspora must speak with one voice. Our shared history and shared future demand collective action in pursuing justice and restoring the dignity of our people.”
Participants noted that reparations should not be viewed as an act of charity but as a matter of justice rooted in international human rights principles.
“Reparations are not about charity or goodwill. They are about justice, accountability and the recognition of historical wrongs whose effects are still felt across generations.”
The conference further highlighted the importance of education and preserving historical memory.
“We must ensure that future generations understand the truth about slavery and colonialism. Education and remembrance are essential to preventing the repetition of such atrocities and building a more just world.”
Delegates said addressing the legacy of slavery requires sustained international cooperation.
“The enduring impact of slavery cannot be erased by silence. It requires sustained dialogue, courageous leadership and concrete policies that address inequalities created over centuries.”
At the end of the conference, participants adopted a series of recommendations aimed at strengthening international advocacy, promoting historical accountability, expanding public education, encouraging research and documentation, and supporting policies that advance reparative justice.
The conference also called for increased collaboration among governments, regional organisations, international institutions and civil society to sustain momentum for justice and reconciliation.
“History cannot be changed, but its consequences can be confronted. Reparatory justice offers an opportunity to heal historic wounds, restore dignity and build stronger relationships founded on truth and mutual respect.”
The Next Steps Conference on Reparatory Justice is the first major international gathering on the subject since the adoption of the landmark UN resolution and is expected to shape future global discussions on reparations, historical recognition and restorative justice.