Statement to be delivered by H.E. Dr. Neil Parsan Permanent Representative of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to the United Nations on behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) following the adoption of draft resolution entitled “Declaration of the trafficking of enslaved Africans and racialized chattel enslavement of Africans as the gravest crime against humanity” at the Eightieth Session of the United Nations General Assembly 

Madame President,

Excellencies,

I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the fourteen (14) Member States of the Caribbean Community in explanation of our vote.

CARICOM voted in support of this resolution because of our historical attachment to the issue of the trafficking of enslaved Africans and the racialized chattel enslavement of Africans. The recognition today by those Member States that supported this resolution and the Declaration is a critical first step towards redressing the injustices perpetuated over the four hundred years of the Trans-Atlantic slave trade. In this vein, CARICOM remains a strong advocate for the advancement of reparatory justice for the historical atrocities perpetrated against our forebears during the period of colonialism and the transatlantic slave trade, as well as the persistent legacies thereof.

CARICOM, therefore, reiterates our support in principle, for this initiative undertaken by Ghana, on behalf of the African Union, to advance the issue of reparatory justice. Given the importance of this issue, CARICOM stresses that implementation of the resolution must be done in a collaborative manner and in full partnership with the entire membership. CARICOM commits to contributing to taking forward the implementation of this resolution in line with the region’s priorities, including the Ten-Point Plan for Reparatory Justice. We will continue to engage meaningfully in future discussions on this important issue, including on ways to take forward the important provisions contained in the resolution.

I thank you.