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Secretary General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres has stated that reparations for the trans-Atlantic slave trade are now owed in order to address “its legacy” in contemporary society, which consists of “systemic racism and white supremacy.”
Guterres stated in a statement commemorating the U.N. International Day of Remembrance for the Victims of Slavery that former colonial powers “established the groundwork for an enduring system of violent discrimination grounded in white supremacy.”
“Around the world, individuals of African descent and descendants of enslaved Africans continue to fight for equal rights and liberties.” We reject the enduring impact of this abhorrent offense against humanity each and every day.
“Reparatory justice frameworks are required to assist in the eradication of centuries of exclusion and discrimination.”
A September report from the United Nations recommended that nations consider monetary reparations as compensation for slavery.
During her address at the United Nations General Assembly, Hilary Beckles, chairman of the reparations commission of the Caribbean Community political and economic union (Caricom), proclaimed, “This movement will ultimately signify the triumph of humanity as a whole over malevolence.”
The Caricom Reparations Commission was established to pursue reparations from former colonial powers such as the United Kingdom, France, and Portugal, including debt cancellations and assistance to address public health crises.
In the United States, the demand for monetary reparations has also been expressed.
In Massachusetts’s Boston, Christian leaders have urged “white churches” to distribute reparations in the millions of dollars owed to black people as a means of atoning for their historical involvement in enslavement.
During a recent event at Resurrection Lutheran Church, Reverend Kevin Peterson stated, “We call upon our white churches to unite with us in this matter of racism and slavery, and to commit to reparations. We do so with sincerity and a heart filled with Christian love and faith.”
Director of the Centre for Reparation Research at the University of the West Indies Verene Shepherd stated that “Britain and other current and former colonial powers must accept responsibility.”
