The United Nations General Assembly has officially designated the transatlantic slave trade as “the gravest crime against humanity” following a vote that exposed divisions among member states.
The resolution was adopted on Wednesday, with United States, Israel, and Argentina voting against it, while the United Kingdom and several European Union countries abstained.
Although non-binding, the measure is seen as a significant step in acknowledging the scale and brutality of the slave trade, which forcibly displaced millions of Africans between the 15th and 19th centuries.
Supporters say the designation strengthens ongoing calls for historical accountability and reparations, particularly from African and Caribbean nations.
However, some countries remain cautious about language that could carry legal or financial implications.
The vote highlights continuing global disagreement over how to address the legacy of slavery and its lasting impact.
