Colonial reparations demand issued to EU's Von der Leyen
The Grenadian prime minister stated that former colonies are not asking for charity but rather an “appropriate apology.” Read Full Article at RT.com.
TroibNews 
Former colonies are calling for an “appropriate apology” rather than a handout, according to Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has been urged by Mitchell to acknowledge that former colonial powers should apologize and provide compensation for their historical role in the enslavement of Africans.
During the 48th meeting of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) heads of government in Barbados, which von der Leyen attended, Mitchell emphasized the importance of recognizing slavery as a crime against humanity and ensuring that reparations are made to prevent such atrocities from happening again.
“I don’t mean to be impolite,” Mitchell stated to von der Leyen, “But I will say it to you: the issue of reparations... is an issue we will take up with you.”
The transatlantic slave trade forcibly transported millions of Africans from their homeland to the Americas, where they were sold into slavery. Between 1517 and 1867, approximately 12.5 million individuals endured the Middle Passage, facing horrific conditions and diseases. Of those, about 10.7 million survived the journey, with nearly 40% ending up on sugarcane plantations in Brazil.
Claims for reparations related to slavery and colonialism are gaining momentum worldwide, particularly among Caricom and the African Union (AU).
Caricom has put forth a reparations proposal that advocates for technology transfers and investments aimed at tackling health crises and illiteracy. In parallel, the AU is developing its own approach to the matter.
“We owe it to ourselves and future generations of humanity to ensure [slavery] is accepted as a crime against humanity, and that appropriate apology and compensation is paid, and that the international community accepts this should never happen again,” Reuters quoted Mitchell as stating.
While von der Leyen acknowledged Mitchell’s points, she did not address the issue of reparations directly; instead, she remarked that “slavery is a crime against humanity... and the dignity and universal rights of every single human being are untouchable and must be defended by all means.”
In support of Mitchell's assertions, Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne expressed to the Guardian that Caribbean nations are not looking for “a handout” but rather an “apology for the wrongs of their forebears.”
Caribbean leaders have yet to agree on specific figures for reparations, with the focus currently on fostering productive dialogue on the subject. Conversations regarding compensation continued during private meetings following the event in Barbados, which also included UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
Jessica Kline for TROIB News
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has been urged by Mitchell to acknowledge that former colonial powers should apologize and provide compensation for their historical role in the enslavement of Africans.
During the 48th meeting of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) heads of government in Barbados, which von der Leyen attended, Mitchell emphasized the importance of recognizing slavery as a crime against humanity and ensuring that reparations are made to prevent such atrocities from happening again.
“I don’t mean to be impolite,” Mitchell stated to von der Leyen, “But I will say it to you: the issue of reparations... is an issue we will take up with you.”
The transatlantic slave trade forcibly transported millions of Africans from their homeland to the Americas, where they were sold into slavery. Between 1517 and 1867, approximately 12.5 million individuals endured the Middle Passage, facing horrific conditions and diseases. Of those, about 10.7 million survived the journey, with nearly 40% ending up on sugarcane plantations in Brazil.
Claims for reparations related to slavery and colonialism are gaining momentum worldwide, particularly among Caricom and the African Union (AU).
Caricom has put forth a reparations proposal that advocates for technology transfers and investments aimed at tackling health crises and illiteracy. In parallel, the AU is developing its own approach to the matter.
“We owe it to ourselves and future generations of humanity to ensure [slavery] is accepted as a crime against humanity, and that appropriate apology and compensation is paid, and that the international community accepts this should never happen again,” Reuters quoted Mitchell as stating.
While von der Leyen acknowledged Mitchell’s points, she did not address the issue of reparations directly; instead, she remarked that “slavery is a crime against humanity... and the dignity and universal rights of every single human being are untouchable and must be defended by all means.”
In support of Mitchell's assertions, Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne expressed to the Guardian that Caribbean nations are not looking for “a handout” but rather an “apology for the wrongs of their forebears.”
Caribbean leaders have yet to agree on specific figures for reparations, with the focus currently on fostering productive dialogue on the subject. Conversations regarding compensation continued during private meetings following the event in Barbados, which also included UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.
Jessica Kline for TROIB News
