Amnesty International berates Canada for abstention from historic UN vote on reparations for slavery
Human rights organisation Amnesty International Canada has berated Canada for its abstention from a historic United Nations vote on reparations for the harms caused by the transatlantic slave trade.
In a statement sent to Peoples Gazette on Wednesday, Amnesty International described Canada’s refusal to vote in support of the UN resolution, adding that “it is a missed opportunity to defend the rights of people of African descent.”
“Amnesty International Canada and the Black Canadians Civil Society Coalition (BCCSC) welcomed the adoption of a landmark resolution by the United Nations General Assembly formally declaring the transatlantic trafficking and enslavement of African people over four centuries as the gravest crime against humanity,” the statement reads.
It added that “however, the organizations expressed disappointment that Canada was among the 52 states that abstained from the vote.”
A racial justice campaigner with Amnesty International Canada’s English-speaking section, Melak Gebresilassie, said: “Canada’s abstention is deeply discouraging. This was not a neutral act. It was a choice to step back from a moment of accountability, to prioritise political comfort over moral clarity.”
“People of African descent deserve more than silence, hesitation, or symbolic gestures from their government,” Mr Gebresilassie said. “Canada must choose clarity over comfort, acknowledge the truth, commit to reparatory justice, and stand in meaningful solidarity with Black communities in the pursuit of dignity, healing, and justice.”
Hodan Ahmed, co-founder of the Black Canadians Civil Society Coalition, said: “We recognize this resolution for what it is: a powerful, necessary, and long-overdue acknowledgment of truth — one that survivors, descendants, scholars, and activists have demanded for centuries and should never have been in question.”
On March 25, Nigeria joined Ghana and 121 UN Member States to adopt a resolution declaring the transatlantic slave trade the gravest crime against humanity.
The resolution, spearheaded by Ghana, received 123 votes in favour, while three countries — Argentina, Israel and the United States — voted against, and 52 abstained.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
States
Edo women urged to enter politics for inclusive governance
Women across professions in Edo have been urged to join politics to amplify their voices, influence policy decisions, and strengthen inclusive governance structures.
Economy
Gas Emission: Rivers government donates ₦100 million Bille community
The Rivers government has announced a donation of ₦100 million to support the Bille community in Degema LGA, affected by gas emission, for interim relief measures.
Abuja
Former President Jonathan tells national assembly to review electoral litigation process
“I remember a particular case where someone lost an election as a governor because the law then stipulated the use of red ink to tick voters’ names,” said Mr Jonathan.
Abuja
Police warn Abuja residents against violence, electoral fraud
The police commissioner in charge of the Federal Capital Territory, Ahmed Sanusi, has warned residents against violence and other electoral offences ahead of the 2027 elections.
Abuja
FRSC redeploys 162 officers, appoints new spokesperson
Shehu Mohammed, Federal Road Safety Corps’ marshal, has approved the redeployment of 162 senior officers in a major overhaul of FRSC’s high command.
Health
Nigeria’s experience showed progress possible in TB treatment: WHO
TB is preventable and treatable, yet it continues to cause significant illness and death globally. In 2024, an estimated 1.23 million died.
