THE AFRICAN Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) has welcomed the adoption of the Global Framework for Reparatory Justice, describing it as a historic step toward addressing the enduring consequences of slavery, colonialism, apartheid and the exploitation of Africa and people of African descent.
In a statement issued from Lomé, Togo, dated June 21, and signed by its General Secretary, Akhator Joel Odigie, ITUC-Africa praised the adoption of the 19-point framework at the High-Level “Next Steps” Conference held in Accra, Ghana.
The Pan African labour organisation said the framework represents a significant milestone in the global pursuit of justice, dignity and redress for centuries of historical injustices.
According to ITUC-Africa, the framework was adopted at a pivotal moment following a recent United Nations General Assembly resolution that recognised the transatlantic slave trade and slavery as the gravest crime against humanity.
The organisation said the development reflects a growing international consensus that acknowledging historical wrongs is insufficient without concrete measures to address their lasting impacts.
The trade union body emphasised that reparatory justice is not solely about addressing historical grievances but also about confronting present-day challenges that continue to affect African societies and workers. These challenges include structural inequality, underdevelopment, unsustainable debt burdens, illicit financial flows, economic dependency and persistent racial discrimination.
ITUC-Africa argued that wealth accumulated through slavery and colonial exploitation contributed significantly to the prosperity of some nations while leaving many African countries and communities facing poverty, exclusion and limited economic opportunities. The organisation said meaningful reparatory measures are necessary to address these longstanding imbalances.
The framework advocates a range of actions, including formal apologies for historical injustices, restitution of cultural heritage, equitable compensation, debt relief and institutional reforms aimed at promoting justice and accountability. ITUC-Africa expressed particular support for proposals to establish international mechanisms that would oversee implementation and ensure accountability.
The organisation also called on governments, international institutions, employers and other social partners to actively participate in advancing the reparatory justice agenda. It stressed that reparatory justice should be integrated into broader efforts to promote economic democracy, social justice, decent work and sustainable development across Africa and the wider African diaspora.
“The time has come for the international community to move from recognition to action,” the organisation stated, urging stakeholders to translate commitments into practical and transformative measures.
