United Nations Declaration Of The Slave Trade As The Gravest Crime Against Humanity

On March 25, 2026, the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly held a meeting to commemorate the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade. With an overwhelming majority, it adopted for the first time a dedicated Resolution declaring the trafficking of enslaved Africans and the racialized chattel enslavement of Africans as the gravest crime against humanity.

This Resolution echoes the theme of the 38th African Union Summit, “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations,” and demonstrates the sustained efforts of African countries to advance “reparatory justice” on the international stage. With profound historical significance, it represents a powerful affirmation of historical justice, a firm defense of the common dignity of humanity, and a major victory for the international community in opposing the remnants of colonialism, resisting racial discrimination, and upholding fairness and justice.

As the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, I extend warm congratulations on the adoption of the UNGA Resolution and pay high tribute to African countries and the broader developing world for upholding justice and working hand in hand to achieve this outcome. China, together with the other 123 countries, voted in favor. China has always stood firmly on the right side of history, actively promoting the international community’s recognition of historical responsibilities and remedying historical injustices. We support the legitimate demands of African countries and people of African descent in their pursuit of equal rights and fair justice.

The transatlantic slave trade was one of the darkest chapters in human civilization. Tens of millions of Africans suffered trafficking, enslavement, and slaughter. The wounds inflicted by the system of racialized enslavement have spanned centuries and continue to profoundly affect the development process of the African continent and the developmental rights of people of African descent. The UNGA Resolution fairly restores historical truth, effectively counters contemporary racial discrimination and structural injustice, and lays an important legal and moral foundation for advancing historical reparations, the return of looted cultural artifacts, and trauma healing. It demonstrates the common will of the international community to safeguard equal human rights and oppose any form of enslavement and oppression.

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Africa. Over the past 70 years, China’s policy toward Africa has remained consistent. We respect Africa, support Africa, and help Africa develop. We do not interfere in the internal affairs of African countries, nor do we impose our will on others, let alone engage in predatory exploitation or hegemonic coercion. China-Africa cooperation is based on equality, aims at development, and focuses on people’s well-being. It responds to Africa’s urgent needs and helps enhance Africa’s capacity for independent development through tangible cooperation. Not long ago, China announced the full implementation of zero-tariff treatment for all African countries that have diplomatic relations with China. This is a vivid example of mutually beneficial cooperation and common development between China and Africa, demonstrating China’s firm commitment to supporting Africa’s revitalization.

China and Nigeria are separated by vast oceans, yet we share a common destiny and are of one mind. Both our nations have endured the suffering of foreign oppression and colonial plunder. We both deeply understand the precious value of independence, dignity, and development, and we are both firmly committed to safeguarding national sovereignty and the equal rights of all ethnic groups. In recent years, under the strategic guidance of the leaders of both countries, China-Nigeria relations have been upgraded to a comprehensive strategic partnership. We are working together to build a high-level China-Nigeria community of shared future. Political mutual trust continues to deepen, practical cooperation has yielded fruitful results, and people-to-people exchanges are growing ever closer. This year marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Nigeria. China is ready to work with Nigeria to further align our development strategies, transform cooperation outcomes into tangible benefits for our peoples, and inject strong momentum into Nigeria’s economic and social development.

The world is currently experiencing turbulent times, with hegemonism and power politics running rampant and seriously undermining the existing international order. A very few countries cling to colonial mindsets and hegemonic logic, adhere to the law of the jungle and the principle of “might makes right,” and frequently resort to unilateralism and maximum pressure. They place their own selfish interests above international justice and arbitrarily interfere in the internal affairs of other countries. History has long proven that power politics finds no popular support, unilateral bullying leads nowhere, and any attempt to gain benefits through oppression or seek hegemony through bullying will ultimately be discarded by the times.

Only by upholding multilateralism, respecting the sovereignty and independent choices of all countries, and opposing racial discrimination and hegemonic bullying can the international community truly safeguard human rights and dignity and achieve common security and common development.

Justice may be delayed, but it will never be absent. The adoption of this historic UNGA Resolution has added a significant chapter to the cause of global justice and injected new momentum into deepening solidarity and cooperation between China and Africa. China will, as always, stand side by side with Nigeria and all African countries, firmly support African nations in defending their national dignity and achieving independent development, continuously deepen practical cooperation across various fields, jointly oppose hegemonism and unilateral actions, jointly safeguard international fairness and justice, and jointly promote the building of a community with a shared future for mankind. China will also continue to speak up for Africa on the international stage, support Africa in enhancing its voice and representation in global governance, and strive for the full realization of historical justice. We will let the sunshine of equality, development, and dignity illuminate the African continent, and make new and greater contributions to the prosperity and revitalization of Africa as well as to a better future for all humanity.

*Yu Dunhai is the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria