As part of efforts for the pursuit of reparatory justice on the account of the enduring consequences of the trafficking of enslaved Africans and racialized chattel enslavement of Africans, a High-Level Consultative Conference on Next Steps to the Landmark UN Resolution on the Trafficking of Enslaved Africans was held in Accra, Ghana from 17th to 19th June, 2026.
During his address at the Consultative Conference, the President of the Republic of Liberia, His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. underscored the significance of the adoption of UN Resolution A/RES/80/250 and highlighted the enduring consequences of the transatlantic slave trade and its continuous impact on societies. He noted that in Liberia, the legacy of slavery remains deeply intertwined with questions of identity, among others. His Excellency Joseph Nyuma Boakai Sr. said that the impact of transatlantic enslavement extends beyond economic loss to include lasting social, cultural and political consequences that have persisted across generations. He stressed that meaningful reparatory justice must, therefore, encompass historical truth-telling, reconciliation, cultural restoration, education and efforts to strengthen social cohesion.
Recommending a way forward, following the adoption of the resolution, he stressed the need for a common framework and roadmap on pursuit of reparatory justice; establishment of an African-led United Nations Expert Commission to design a global reparatory justice mechanism; strengthen education, research, and public awareness on African history and the slave trade; promote the restitution of cultural artifacts and heritage; and advance development partnerships that address inequalities rooted in slavery, colonialism and historical exploitation.
He further called on the international community to engage honestly with this dark chapter of history and support efforts aimed at healing and repair. He emphasized that the pursuit of reparatory justice is about acknowledging historical injustices, fostering understanding and building a future based on dignity, equality and shared responsibility. He then expressed optimism that collective commitment and cooperation would restore dignity, address historical wrongs and create a more equitable future for generations to come.
