Ghana Champions Historic UN Resolution and Global Justice at Durban Declaration Anniversary

​Addressing a UN special high-level commemorative session marking the 25th anniversary of the Durban Declaration on Monday, Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, expressed grave consternation over the persistent global surge in racism, discrimination, and violence. A quarter-century after the world committed to combating xenophobia and intolerance, Minister Ablakwa highlighted that extreme hatred continues to manifest around the globe, referencing the devastating genocide in Palestine, rising xenophobia in South Africa, and ongoing attacks targeting vulnerable minority groups such as Rohingya Muslims and African Americans.

​To meaningfully confront these contemporary injustices, Hon. Ablakwa emphasized the critical milestone achieved through the landmark Ghana-led UN Resolution (A/RES/80/250). The resolution formally declares transatlantic enslavement and racialized chattel as the gravest crime against humanity, establishing an essential foundation for addressing the deep-rooted causes of global inequality. Building on this momentum, he underscored the concrete progress being realized through sincere apologies, honest historical reckonings, pledges to return looted cultural artifacts, and tangible reparations that together pave the way toward a more equitable international order.

​Echoing international consensus on the impact of this historic legislation, Minister Ablakwa aligned his remarks with President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of Brazil, who recently declared before the UN assembly that the vote on Ghana's resolution represents one of the most consequential decisions in the United Nations' 81-year history. This widespread endorsement reflects a pivotal shift toward structural accountability, demonstrating how acknowledging historical atrocities is directly linked to ending modern systemic violence and discrimination.

​Concluding his address, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa reaffirmed Ghana’s unwavering commitment to global accountability by pledging strong support for the International Criminal Court (ICC). Firmly opposing any efforts to dismantle or undermine the court, he stressed that international mechanisms designed to prosecute and punish crimes against humanity must be continuously protected and strengthened to uphold justice, human rights, and rule of law for future generations.

@Volta Today