The Policy Advisor to distinguished Senator Ned Nwoko, Mr Chuks Anyaduba represented Distinguished Senator at the roundtable symposium on ‘The Political Economy of Global Reparations in the 21st Century’ organized by Development and Change journal and co-sponsored by the International Institute of Social Studies and CERES, The Dutch Research School of Internationalr Development, held on 27th September 2023 in Netherlands.
The objective of the symposium was to examine the issue of global reparations and their relevance for development.
Recall that Senator Ned Nwoko had brought to the fore, a motion for the demand for apologies and reparations for slavery, inhuman and degrading treatments and exploitations of Africans and African resources.
In his letter dated 17th August 2023, which was addressed to the British Prime Minister through the British High Commissioner in Nigeria, Senator Ned Nwoko demanded reparation for atrocities of transatlantic slave trade and potent means to mitigate neo-colonialism as pathways to key amends. The senator also urged for reparation of at least $5trillion not as an act of vengeance but as path to healing and restoration. This will be a compensatory payment to victims of crimes against humanity, to be given to their descendants.
Today, the roundtable on the Political Economy of Global Reparations held in the Netherlands brought together scholars, activists, policymakers, and experts from around the world to engage in a comprehensive dialogue on the same complex and pressing issue of reparations.
The conference began with an exploration of the historical context of reparations, highlighting various forms of historical injustice, including colonialism, slavery, and systemic racism. Participants discussed the lasting impacts of these injustices on contemporary societies and the urgent need for acknowledgment and redress.
They discussed the potential costs and benefits, funding mechanisms, and the impact on national economies, emphasizing that reparations should not be seen solely as a financial burden but as an investment in social justice and equity.
A significant portion of the conference was dedicated to examining the political challenges associated with reparations.
This included discussions on the role of governments in acknowledging historical wrongs, the importance of transitional justice mechanisms, and the role of international organizations in facilitating reparative measures.
Speakers at the roundtable include;
•Professor Gurminder BhambraOpens external, University of Sussex, UK
•Professor Horace CampbellOpens external, Syracuse University, New York, USA
•Dr Lebohang Liepollo PhekoOpens external, Senior Research Fellow at Trade Collective
.Emeritus Professor Hilbourne WatsonOpens external, Bucknell University, USA.
The conference generated a set of policy recommendations aimed at guiding governments, international organizations, and civil society in developing comprehensive reparations programs.
Senator Ned Nwoko in furtherance to his earlier letter to the British Prime Minister, hopes to put together a delegation to meet with the United Nations Secretary General, The European Union, European Commission, Organisation of America States, African Union, ECOWAS, The International Court of Justice, and all other relevant stakeholders. The essence being to foster international collaboration and cooperation in addressing global reparations. To him, a United Nations special conference is apposite now. This will be a starting point for continued discussions and actions in the pursuit of global reparations and social justice.
Chuks Anyaduba
Policy Advisor
