Amnesty International has welcomed a landmark resolution by the United Nations General Assembly recognising the chattel enslavement of Africans as a crime against humanity, describing it as a significant step toward legal recognition and reparatory justice.

The resolution, tabled by Ghana on behalf of Africa and people of African descent, passed with strong backing - 123 member states voted in favour, three against, and 53 abstained.

In its reaction, Amnesty stated: “Amnesty International welcomes the recognition of chattel enslavement of Africans as a crime against humanity at the UN General Assembly, following a resolution tabled by Ghana on behalf of the African continent and people of African descent.”

The organisation underscored the enduring impact of slavery and colonialism, noting: “Across the world, people are still suffering the long-lasting effects of slavery and colonialism, manifesting in today’s racism and global inequality, while States and private actors profited from these historical injustices.”

Framing the development as a pivotal moment, Amnesty added: “Today’s resolution is a momentous step forward for legal recognition and reparations for those who have suffered the enduring harms of chattel enslavement around the world.”

Led by Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the resolution classifies slavery and the transatlantic slave trade among the gravest injustices in human history. It calls on former slave-trading nations to engage African states and the African Union in dialogue on remedies such as compensation, debt relief, development assistance, and the restitution of looted cultural artefacts.

Though non-binding, the measure - supported by a broad coalition of states and human rights advocates - is expected to intensify pressure on nations and institutions that benefited from slavery to take concrete steps toward reparatory justice.