The UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) strongly urged states to take comprehensive steps to compensate for the trade in enslaved Africans and racial slavery, as the consequences of these practices are felt through systemic racism and inequality.
In a statement released on International Day of People of African Descent, the committee called on governments to combine compensation, restitution, and rehabilitation with structural reforms aimed at eliminating the long-term effects of historical injustices.
CERD emphasized that the passage of time should not be grounds for states to refuse to acknowledge historical errors or take measures to correct their consequences. The committee recommended developing national action plans with clear timelines, which must be created in consultation with representatives of African descent and bodies responsible for reparations.
Furthermore, the committee strongly requested governments to repeal or amend laws and policies that support racial discrimination or hinder the restoration of justice. CERD noted that acknowledgments and apologies must be accompanied by concrete measures, rather than replacing other forms of redress.
The committee also highlighted the role of private and non-state actors, including religious organizations, universities, businesses, banks, insurance companies, and other financial institutions that participated in, facilitated, or benefited from the trade in enslaved Africans. It called on states to ensure that such entities recognize their historical role, open relevant archives, and contribute to reparations proportionate to their involvement and benefits received.
CERD concluded that the legacy of slavery continues to fuel racial inequality in areas such as education, healthcare, economic mobility, and environmental security, while anti-Black racism is exacerbated by policies perpetuating racial inequality.