France reaffirms commitment to reparatory justice dialogue after UN resolution abstention
via GhanaWeb3 min read
France has reaffirmed its commitment to constructive international dialogue on reparatory justice following its abstention from a recent United Nations General Assembly resolution on the transatlantic slave trade, led by Ghana. Madam Diarra Dimé-Labille, Ambassador of France to Ghana, explained that while France recognizes slavery as a crime against humanity within its legal framework, certain legal considerations influenced its position on the resolution's wording. France, along with other European Union member states, supported the resolution's broader intent but sought a more consensual formulation aligned with established international law. The Ambassador noted that France was the first country to formally recognize slavery as a crime against humanity more than two decades ago, and its abstention should be understood in a legal and procedural context. The resolution, adopted on March 25, 2026, with strong support at the UN General Assembly, was spearheaded by Ghana on behalf of the African Union, with backing from Caribbean states. It calls for recognition of the transatlantic slave trade as the gravest crime against humanity and encourages efforts toward reparatory justice. Madam Dimé-Labille described the outcome as a significant milestone, with over 120 countries voting in favor, reflecting a growing global consensus on addressing historical injustices. She underscored that General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding, and the adoption of the motion marks the b
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