More Than 120 Nations Support UN Measure Declaring Slavery ‘Gravest Crime Against Humanity’

March 30, 2026

The United Nations passed a resolution, introduced by Ghana and supported by 123 nations, formally recognizing the transatlantic slave trade as among the gravest crimes against humanity and calling for reparatory justice to address its lasting impacts. The United States joined only Israel and Argentina in voting against the measure, with American diplomats arguing they do not recognize legal grounds for reparations tied to historical wrongs that were not illegal under international law when committed. This vote coincides with domestic policy changes under President Trump that have dismantled diversity and equity programs, altered federal representations of Black history, and removed monuments like the Black Lives Matter Plaza while installing a Columbus statue near the White House.

Who is affected

People of African descent globally, particularly descendants of enslaved people
The 123 nations that voted for the resolution, led by Ghana
United States, Israel, and Argentina (the three opposing nations)
Federal agencies and their employees subject to DEI program elimination
Historically Black colleges and universities experiencing funding reductions
The Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture
Federal contractors required to certify non-operation of DEI initiatives
Communities connected to Black Lives Matter Plaza and the Columbus statue sites

What action is being taken

Executive orders are directing federal agencies to dismantle diversity, equity, and inclusion programs
Federal agencies are eliminating DEI-related offices and positions
The administration is terminating equity-focused grants and contracts
Federal contractors are being required to certify they do not operate certain DEI initiatives
Federal websites are being altered to remove references to prominent Black historical figures
Workers are installing a Christopher Columbus statue near the White House

Why it matters

This represents a significant divergence between international consensus on addressing slavery's legacy and U.S. policy direction on racial equity issues. The vote isolates the United States alongside only two other nations on a matter concerning fundamental human rights and historical accountability, potentially affecting America's diplomatic relationships and moral authority on human rights issues globally. Domestically, the simultaneous rollback of diversity programs and changes to how Black history is represented in federal spaces signals a fundamental shift in how the government approaches racial justice and historical memory, with direct consequences for educational institutions, federal employees, and public commemoration of civil rights movements.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer