The historic scars of colonialism have been reopened in the Caribbean, where leaders are reiterating their demand for reparations from former powers. Barbados's Prime Minister, Mia Mottley, has unveiled a revised manifesto at a conference in Ghana, sharpening the focus on the moral, ethical and legal case for compensation. The document asserts that nations such as Britain must take responsibility for centuries of enslavement, which caused irreparable harm to millions of people, including women who suffered disproportionately under slavery's brutal regime.
The updated manifesto, part of the Caribbean Community's (Caricom) 10-point plan, highlights the devastating impact of slavery on girls and women. It cites estimates that around 30% of the 20 million Africans forcibly transported across the Atlantic were female, and that at least 1.2 million enslaved women endured sexual violence. Ms Mottley drew parallels with other historical injustices, such as compensation awarded to Japan after World War II.
The draft document links climate justice to slavery reparations, stressing the need for a comprehensive plan to support Indigenous people who were present in the Caribbean when Europeans arrived and suffered genocide. Caricom's stance makes clear that monetary compensation is being sought from enslaving nations, monarchies, churches, institutions, corporations, and families, alongside apologies and educational initiatives.
Caribbean leaders are demanding reparations for a range of harms, including "loss of life and uncompensated labour, loss of liberty, personal injury, mental pain and anguish and gender-based violence" inflicted on enslaved Africans. While the plan does not specify a precise monetary amount, it outlines a collective vision for reparatory justice.
Ms Mottley described the conference as a "historic moment," underscoring the need for international recognition of the transatlantic trafficking of enslaved Africans as a grave crime against humanity. Her remarks targeted those nations that have remained silent on this issue, with Prime Minister Mottley stating: "That others choose to remain silent is a reflection of them, not of us."
This renewed push for reparatory justice builds on a decade of consistent calls from Caribbean governments for recognition of the lasting legacy of colonialism and enslavement. In March, the UK abstained from voting on a UN General Assembly resolution that declared chattel slavery as the gravest crime against humanity, a resolution passed with near-unanimous support.