politics
March 31, 2026
Western nations accused of ‘washing hands’ after UN slave trade vote
Western nations are avoiding responsibility after the UN declared the slave trade the gravest crime against humanity, former South African parliament member Themba Godi has said
TL;DR
- Former South African MP Themba Godi claims Western nations are trying to 'wash their hands' of the transatlantic slave trade.
- He criticized the US, Israel, Argentina, and several European nations for not supporting a UN resolution labeling the slave trade 'the gravest crime against humanity'.
- Godi stated that the primary issue is the recognition of historical injustices and their lasting consequences, rather than solely financial reparations.
- He noted efforts to downplay or erase the history of slavery, including its teaching in some countries, as an attempt to minimize its significance.
- Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama previously accused Washington of 'normalizing the erasure' of black history.
- Sikhumbuzo Enock Mdlalose of the South African Communist Party supports reparations as a legitimate call to address historical imbalances and aid Africa's development.
- The UN General Assembly resolution was backed by 123 countries, with the US, Israel, and Argentina voting against it, and 52 abstentions, including the UK and several EU members.
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