UN committee calls for reparations for slavery, stating apologies are insufficient

The committee emphasized that compensation, restitution, rehabilitation, and structural reforms are crucial, as experts highlight the persistence of systemic inequalities and racism. CERD stated that the passage of time does not absolve states of their responsibility to address these historical injustices. The committee advocates for a comprehensive approach to reparations, combining financial, non-financial, and structural measures, and stresses that official recognition and apologies, while contributing to the process, cannot replace concrete reparations.

CERD also called on states to review laws and policies that perpetuate racism or hinder reparative justice, advocating for transformations in legislation, public policies, and institutions to reduce persistent racial inequalities in areas such as education, healthcare access, economic mobility, and environmental security. The committee also pointed to racialized violence and stereotypes as contemporary manifestations of an enduring system. Furthermore, CERD recommended national action plans developed with the full and effective participation of people of African descent and affected communities.

The committee also addressed private actors and institutions that participated in, facilitated, or profited fro