The United Nations General Assembly this week overwhelmingly backed a resolution declaring the transatlantic slave trade 'the gravest crime against humanity'. Welcoming the vote, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that the wealth of many Western nations was 'built on stolen lives and stolen labour'. He noted the 'barbaric punishments' that characterized slavery and described it as a machinery of mass exploitation and deliberate dehumanisation that has left deep wounds often unrecognised. This resolution, spearheaded by African and Caribbean nations, carries no legal weight but symbolizes significant political progress, as analysts believe it will energize discussions on reparations. The resolution was passed with 123 votes in favor, three against, and 52 abstentions, including notably from the United Kingdom and EU member states. Dr. Erieka Bennett, an activist, characterized the vote as deeply personal for the descendants of enslaved people, highlighting its acknowledgment of past atrocities. Reparations, historically sought for over a century, have gained urgency following formal apologies by nations and corporations profiting from slavery. The resolution encourages member states to consider apologizing and funding reparations. Advocates propose solutions that include debt cancellations and infrastructural investments to address the enduring impacts of slavery. However, opposition exists, with some arguing that individuals today should not be held responsible for historic injustices and raising concerns that reparations discussions may overshadow the need for education and acknowledgment of this dark chapter in history.