Volker Türk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, has emphasized the critical need for comprehensive reparatory justice to address the historical and ongoing harms caused by colonialism and enslavement. Speaking at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) on October 1 in Geneva, Türk’s remarks come at a moment when attacks on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives are intensifying in the United States and beyond.
In his oral statement to the UNHRC, Türk outlined a transformative and context-specific approach to reparatory justice, one that prioritizes the voices and needs of the communities most affected by these historical injustices. His call resonated with Human Rights Watch, which voiced its support for a rights-based reparatory framework led by impacted communities.
Türk highlighted the importance of centering the experiences of those affected by both the United States’ legacy of enslavement and the colonial histories of European nations. He underscored that the design and outcomes of reparatory processes should be driven by these communities, insisting that private institutions—including museums, corporations, universities, and religious organizations—must acknowledge their roles in perpetuating the abuses linked to colonialism and enslavement.
He advocated for extensive systemic reforms to combat the environmental injustices that disproportionately affect African people and those of African descent. Türk also pointed to international financial systems that perpetuate racial inequalities, emphasizing the urgent need for change as global discussions about reparations gain traction.
In the United States, a growing number of states and localities are taking steps towards implementing reparative measures, despite a national trend of regression on this issue. Meanwhile, African and Caribbean nations are collaborating to strengthen their collective demands for reparatory justice from European governments. This cooperation was furthered during the recent Africa-CARICOM summit, where leaders from both regions united in their calls for accountability and reparations.
The African Union and the United Nations have declared the upcoming decade as a time for renewed focus on reparatory justice, a commitment echoed by several African states that participated in the UNHRC session. Türk’s call to action serves as a challenge to governments and institutions worldwide to confront their colonial legacies and move beyond mere symbolic gestures.
In the United States, the adoption of H.R. 40 by Congress is vital; this proposed legislation seeks to establish an expert commission tasked with studying and developing reparations proposals aimed at addressing the enduring impacts of enslavement and systemic racial injustices faced by African Americans. In Europe, there is an urgent need for governments to accept legal responsibility for their colonial and enslavement histories.
Achieving reparatory justice is not just a moral obligation—it is a legal right and a necessary step toward fostering equitable societies grounded in acknowledgment, reconciliation, and justice. As the call for reparations gains momentum, it lays the groundwork for a more just future, one that recognizes the past and seeks to rectify its enduring consequences.
