ACCRA, April 30 (Xinhua) -- Ghana seeks to build a strong global coalition to push for the implementation of a United Nations (UN) General Assembly resolution that declared slavery the gravest crime against humanity, Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has said.
During an engagement with the diplomatic corps late Wednesday, Ablakwa acknowledged that the global community stood with Ghana and Africa in promoting the resolution, through their votes, advocacy, and engagement throughout the negotiation process, demonstrating a shared commitment to true justice and moral clarity in international affairs.
Ghana's push for the resolution on reparatory justice is not aimed at mobilizing funds for Africa's development, but rather at securing restitution, healing, and the return of stolen artefacts, the minister said.
The UN General Assembly resolution declaring the transatlantic slave trade the "gravest crime against humanity," introduced by Ghana and supported by the African Union, was adopted on March 25.
"A particularly consequential element of the resolution is its call for prompt and unhindered restitution of cultural properties, including artifacts, monuments, manuscripts and archives of historical and spiritual significance to their countries of origin," Ablakwa said.
"This recognition reinforces a growing international consensus that cultural restitution is not a matter of generosity, but of justice," he said.
Ablakwa urged all countries to come together to dialogue on the best mode of implementation.
Edmond Moukala, country representative of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), praised Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama and the African Union for promoting such a resolution, pledging UNESCO support for good-faith dialogue.
"As we look into the painful parts of the history, there are also a lot of opportunities for collaboration and bridging the differences and moving the world forward," he said. ■