A&B Votes in Favour of UN Resolution Condemning Slavery; US Votes Against

Reparations advocates in Antigua and Barbuda and the rest of the Caribbean are welcoming a vote by the United Nations General Assembly to recognise the slave trade as “the gravest crime against humanity.”

BBC News says it is hoped the move will pave the way for healing and justice.

Antigua and Barbuda was among 123 countries voting in favour of the resolution proposed by Ghana. The resolution called for this designation, while also urging UN member states to consider apologising for the slave trade and contributing to a reparations fund. It does not mention a specific amount of money.

Three countries voted against – the United States, Israel and Argentina.

Fifty-two countries abstained, including the United Kingdom and European Union member states.

Between 1500 and 1800, around 12-15 million people were captured in Africa and taken to the Americas where they were forced to work as slaves. It is estimated that over two million people died on the journey.

The vote came fittingly on March 25, which is observed annually as International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade.

The resolution was backed by the African Union and the Caribbean Community (Caricom).