The United Nations General Assembly has, for the first time, adopted a resolution declaring the transatlantic slave trade and the enslavement of Africans as the “gravest crime against humanity,” in what diplomats and global observers are describing as a historic step toward addressing centuries of injustice.
The resolution was passed on March 25, 2026, during the 80th session of the Assembly, coinciding with the annual observance of the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade.
It received overwhelming support from member states, signalling an international consensus on the need to formally recognise the scale and legacy of the atrocities.
In a statement issued in Abuja, Yu Dunhai, Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, congratulated African countries and the developing world for their role in pushing the resolution through, describing it as “a powerful affirmation of historical justice” and a victory against colonial legacies and racial discrimination.
According to the envoy, the resolution aligns with the theme of the 38th African Union Summit, which focused on “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations,” underscoring growing global momentum behind calls for reparatory justice.
He noted that China joined 123 other countries in voting in favour of the resolution, reiterating Beijing’s position that the international community must acknowledge historical responsibility and work toward remedying past injustices.
“The transatlantic slave trade remains one of the darkest chapters in human history,” Yu said, adding that tens of millions of Africans were subjected to trafficking, enslavement and systemic violence, with consequences that continue to shape development outcomes across Africa and among people of African descent globally.
He argued that the newly adopted resolution helps to “restore historical truth,” while laying a legal and moral foundation for issues such as reparations, the return of looted cultural artefacts, and psychological healing from generational trauma.
Beyond its historical implications, the resolution is also set to strengthen global efforts against contemporary racial discrimination and structural inequality, reinforcing international commitments to human rights and dignity.
The Chinese envoy used the occasion to reaffirm his country’s long-standing diplomatic and economic ties with Africa, noting that 2026 marks 70 years of China-Africa relations.
He said Beijing’s engagement with the continent has consistently been based on mutual respect, non-interference, and development cooperation.
He cited China’s recent decision to implement zero-tariff treatment for all African countries with diplomatic ties to Beijing as an example of its commitment to shared growth and economic partnership.
Highlighting bilateral relations, Yu noted that China and Nigeria, marking 55 years of diplomatic ties this year, have strengthened cooperation across multiple sectors under a comprehensive strategic partnership framework.
He said both countries share a common historical experience of colonialism and remain committed to sovereignty, development, and equality.
The ambassador also criticised what he described as rising unilateralism and hegemonic tendencies in global affairs, warning that such actions undermine international order and justice.
“History has long proven that power politics finds no popular support,” he said, calling instead for multilateralism, respect for national sovereignty, and collective efforts to promote fairness and equality.
He emphasised that the adoption of the resolution marks a significant milestone in the global pursuit of justice.
“Justice may be delayed, but it will never be absent,” Yu stated, pledging that China would continue to support African countries in their quest for development, stronger global representation, and the realisation of historical justice.
BusinessDay reported that Ghana, with backing from the African Union, is ramping up diplomatic efforts at the United Nations to secure support for a landmark resolution declaring the Transatlantic Slave Trade the gravest crime against humanity.
The move seeks to advance reparations, accountability, and global recognition of historical injustices.
It culminated on March 25, 2026, when John Mahama presented the proposal before the United Nations General Assembly.
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