The Global Coalition has called on United Nations Permanent Forum on People of African Descent to convene a global summit of former colonial powers on the issue of reparations, development of prosperous economies through reformation of global system and structures, and the return of stolen artifacts.
The Coalition made the call during the “Accra Declaration on Reparations and Racial Healing” which was contained in a press statement yesterday ahead of this year’s International Day for People of African Descent.
The “Accra Declaration on Reparations and Racial Healing” is a groundbreaking document to chart a new path for reparations movement.
It was the outcome of an international convening focused on reparations and healing held earlier this month in Accra, Ghana, and keynoted by President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo.
“The effects of the slave trade have been devastating to the African continent and to the African diaspora, with the entire period of slavery stifling Africa’s economic, cultural and psychological progress,” President Akufo-Addo said while extoling the importance of the Declaration.
The Chairman of the CARICOM Reparations Commission, Dr Sir Hilary Beckles, for his part said “we are experiencing unprecedented momentum at this moment in our work around the world”.
Similarly, the founder of the Community Healing Network, Dr Enola Aird, said “The fact that people came together from the Caribbean, Europe, South America, North America, and a sitting head of state is making such a bold statement about reparations shows the growing appeal and importance.”
“This will be critical to the relationships that are being forged and will help bolster our efforts to facilitate both accountability and healing worldwide,” she added.
The reparations movement, according to the co-chair of the Global Circle for Reparations, Dr Ron Daniels, was just growing and emphasised the need for members to put in much effort in moving forward with the declaration.
Members of the Global Circle would be participating in a series of events commemorating the International Day for People of African Descents.
BY TIMES REPORTER
