At this meeting, a resolution initiated by Ghana was presented, which recognizes "the trade in enslaved Africans" as one of the gravest crimes against humanity. The document was approved by a majority vote: 123 countries supported it, while three countries – the USA, Israel, and Argentina – opposed it, and 52 countries abstained.
Guterres emphasized that slavery should not be viewed merely as a historical crime, but as the foundation of an unjust global economic system.
"It was not just labor exploitation, but a system of mass exploitation and dehumanization of men, women, and children," the UN Secretary-General noted.The Secretary-General also pointed out that the ideology of racial superiority was created to justify this system, and its consequences continue to affect politics, economics, and social life. He noted that the fight against racism is impossible without acknowledging the depth of entrenched false beliefs.
Guterres called for active actions at geopolitical and national levels, including expanding the participation of African countries in global finance and ensuring "reparative justice."
"We must overcome the memory of the past, turning it into progress and responsibility. The goals we strive for are based on freedom, equality, and justice, and they are achievable," he added.
The Secretary-General emphasized that equality and dignity will not arise on their own, urging states to take bold actions.
"We must honor the memory of the victims not with words, but with actions," the head of the UN stressed.His words about the consequences of slavery continue to impact the lives of the descendants of victims and entire nations, manifesting in poverty and discrimination.
"It is necessary to eliminate this injustice, which is a moral imperative and a collective responsibility, to overcome the crimes of the past and build a more just future," said Baerbock.
She emphasized that while systemic slavery remains in the past, its roots – discrimination, exploitation, and human rights violations – continue to manifest in new forms, including human trafficking and forced labor.
"We must consistently strive for justice, remaining active participants in the fight for dignity, accountability, and equality for future generations," Baerbock concluded.
Photo on the main page: UN (General Assembly meeting dedicated to the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade).
