States have a legal obligation to consider redressing injustices caused by the transatlantic slave trade and to address the lasting consequences of racial discrimination, according to guidelines issued by the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination.

According to the document, these obligations stem from the legally binding 1965 convention rather than the legal norms in effect at the time of the slave trade. The committee described this approach as a paradigm shift that moves the focus away from disputes over historical responsibility and towards countries’ current obligations.

Between the 15th and 19th centuries, at least 12.5 million Africans were abducted and sold into slavery. Calls for apologies or financial compensation are gaining momentum worldwide, but opponents reject the idea that today’s states and institutions bear responsibility for historical crimes.

The guidelines, which can be cited in court, state that regardless of the legal assessment at the time, signatory states remain obligated to eliminate structural inequalities. According to the committee, financial compensation alone is not sufficient. Countries should open their archives, reassess public memorials and establish independent commissions.

The document’s co-author, Pela Boker-Wilson, called on governments to move beyond general expressions of regret and take concrete steps, including revising laws and policies.

(Reuters, bak)