US, Israel and Argentina oppose Ghana’s slave trade resolution

The United States, Israel and Argentina have rejected a Ghana-led United Nations resolution recognising the transatlantic slave trade as a crime against humanity.

The three countries voted against the proposal at the United Nations General Assembly, breaking away from a large majority of member states that supported the motion.

The resolution, sponsored by Ghana, secured 123 votes in favour and calls on nations to acknowledge the lasting effects of the transatlantic slave trade. It also encourages measures such as formal apologies and reparative justice.

Despite the widespread support, the United States, Israel and Argentina raised concerns about the broader consequences of the resolution, particularly its potential impact on international legal interpretations of historical injustices.

Explaining its position, the United States argued that the resolution could create a hierarchy among crimes against humanity. It maintained that elevating one historical injustice above others might weaken existing international legal frameworks.

US representative Dan Negrea criticised what he described as the “cynical usage of historical wrongs as a leverage point… to reallocate modern resources to people and nations who are distantly related to the historical victims.”

Israel supported similar concerns, aligning with the United States’ position, while Argentina also voted against the resolution, although it did not provide extensive public justification during proceedings.

The opposition contrasts with strong backing from African and Caribbean countries, which have consistently pushed for global recognition of the enduring impact of slavery and the need for reparative action.

Ghana, which led the resolution, argued that the effects of the transatlantic slave trade continue to shape inequalities across the world, particularly in areas such as race and economic development.

Although the resolution is not legally binding, it carries political significance and is viewed as part of ongoing efforts to advance discussions on reparations and accountability. Supporters believe it could strengthen calls for broader international dialogue, including proposals for a United Nations-backed reparations framework.

Despite their opposition, the United States and several Western nations have previously acknowledged slavery as a historical injustice. However, many remain opposed to reparations, arguing that present-day governments should not be held responsible for actions carried out in the distant past.

The vote also revealed divisions among Western countries. The United Kingdom and European Union member states chose to abstain rather than vote against the resolution, reflecting a more cautious approach to the growing global debate on reparative justice.