Commonwealth leaders are set to challenge the UK’s stance on slavery reparations as they gather for the upcoming summit in Samoa, according to diplomatic sources.
While the UK has insisted that reparatory justice is not on the official agenda, discussions are underway to include further research and initiate a “meaningful conversation” on the issue, which could potentially lead to reparations amounting to billions.
A draft summit communique revealed outlined plans for Commonwealth leaders to explore reparations for the transatlantic slave trade, addressing the historical harms of slavery.
It calls for a “truthful and respectful” dialogue on reparatory justice, with proposals ranging from financial compensation to educational and economic support.
Although UK officials initially resisted these discussions, they have reportedly accepted that the communique will include several paragraphs on reparatory justice.
Leaders from Caribbean nations, backed by Caricom, have broadened the conversation to include slavery across both the Atlantic and Pacific, addressing practices such as “blackbirding,” where Pacific Islanders were exploited as forced labor.
The reparations issue is expected to dominate future Commonwealth summits, with the next meeting, likely to be held in the Caribbean, positioning the topic as a central focus.
This follows growing pressure on the UK to apologize and make amends for its historic role in the transatlantic slave trade, with some estimates suggesting reparations could exceed £18 trillion.
