By Matik Kueth
On Tuesday, speakers at the fourth session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on African Descent in New York emphasized the urgent need for reparative justice.
They stressed collaboration among governments, civil society, and regional organizations to establish compensation systems for Africa and the African diaspora, addressing the historical impacts of colonialism, enslavement, apartheid, and genocide spanning from the 16th to the 19th centuries.
Hilary Brown, a representative of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), stated that Africa has been “under siege” for 300 years due to enslavement and exploitation.
She underlined how the historical plunder destabilized the continent’s political, economic, and social systems.
Brown highlighted the strengthened partnership between CARICOM and the African Union (AU), which has adopted “Justice for Africans and the People of African Descent through reparations” as its 2025 theme.
She advocated for a strategic diplomatic approach aimed at advancing the reparations agenda through platforms like the United Nations and other intergovernmental institutions, as well as a high-level forum on reparatory justice.
Angela Naa Afoley, Representative of the African Union Commission echoed the need for a unified approach from the 55-member AU in pursuing reparations, citing a commitment made at a reparations summit in Ghana in 2025 to establish a Global Reparations Fund based in Africa.
However, Nkechi Taifa, Director of the Reparation Education Project, underscored the role of civil society, adding that grassroots movements, rather than governments, have driven the reparations conversation.
She lauded historical figures such as Audley Moore and Marcus Garvey while maintaining that the diaspora remains connected despite displacement.
The discussion, moderated by Permanent Forum member June Soomer, was viewed as a critical global priority, reinforced by remarks from UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who emphasized the need for reparatory justice frameworks rooted in human rights law and inclusive participation.
This commitment aligns with the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action, which advocates for remedial actions against racism and historical injustices.