A prominent Caribbean ambassador has called for global cooperation to set up an international tribunal dedicated to addressing reparations for the transatlantic slave trade and its enduring impacts on modern society. Reuters had previously highlighted growing support from African and Caribbean nations for such a tribunal, which would focus on addressing historical injustices dating back to the era of transatlantic slavery.
David Comissiong, Barbados’ ambassador to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and an outspoken advocate for reparations, emphasized the need for this tribunal during the third session of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent (PFPAD) held in Geneva. He pointed out that no current international court has the specific mandate or capacity to handle the complex and significant claims associated with reparations for slavery.
Speaking to attendees, Comissiong stated that establishing this tribunal would require a “positive decision” from the U.N. General Assembly, urging those present to engage in concerted advocacy efforts to bring this initiative to fruition at the upcoming assembly sessions.
Support was echoed by representatives from other nations, including Guyana and Venezuela, at the forum. In a video address at the opening of the PFPAD session, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also underlined the foundational role of centuries of enslavement and colonialism in perpetuating racism today, advocating for reparations as part of broader efforts to combat these issues.
The push for reparations and the creation of a tribunal to address the atrocities of the transatlantic slave trade, although gaining international momentum, faces significant challenges. These include securing cooperation from countries involved in the slave trade and navigating the complex legal territory of identifying responsible parties and appropriate remedies.
