'The gravest crime against humanity': What does the UN vote on slavery mean?
African and Caribbean nations want countries which benefited from slavery to pay compensation but it will not be straightforward.
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Notable Quotes
"The wealth of many Western nations was 'built on stolen lives and stolen labour'."
— Antonio Guterres , Activist
"It is already a huge and significant step in political terms to have this debate at the UN, even when it has a more symbolic value."
— Almaz Teffera , Activist
"'It means that I'm acknowledged, it means that my ancestor finally rests. For me personally as an African American I'm overwhelmed.'"
— Dr Erieka Bennett , Activist
"'It is good victory [for the reparations movement], but let's remember this is only a declaration of intent.'"
— Dr Esther Xosei , Academic
Key People
A senior researcher on racism at Human Rights Watch.
Antonio Guterres is the Secretary-General of the United Nations.
Leads the Ghana-based Diaspora African Forum.
A British scholar and leading figure in the global reparations movement.
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African and Caribbean nations want countries which benefited from slavery to pay compensation but it will not be straightforward.
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