China Hails UN Resolution Declaring Transatlantic Slave Trade the Gravest Crime in Nigeria

The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, has warmly welcomed a historic resolution passed by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) that officially labels the transatlantic slave trade as the “gravest crime against humanity.”

Adopted on March 25, 2026, the declaration coincided with the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade, marking a milestone in global acknowledgment of historical wrongs.

In a statement, Dunhai called the resolution “a historic milestone and a victory for justice,” extending congratulations to African nations and developing countries for their role in securing widespread support.

According to the envoy, 123 countries, including China, voted in favor, signaling a growing international consensus on confronting the enduring impacts of slavery.

Historical Justice and Reparations at the Forefront

Ambassador Dunhai emphasized that the resolution goes beyond symbolic recognition.

“It represents a powerful affirmation of historical justice, a firm defence of the common dignity of humanity, and a major victory in opposing the remnants of colonialism,” he said.

He highlighted the importance of reparatory justice, noting that the UNGA measure could pave the way for returning looted cultural artifacts, addressing historical trauma, and countering structural racial injustice that persists globally.

Dunhai also tied the resolution to the African Union’s 38th Summit, which focused on “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations.”

The envoy stressed that decades-long African efforts to advance reparatory justice have now gained international recognition.

China-Africa Relations and Shared Commitment

Marking 70 years of diplomatic ties between China and Africa, the ambassador underscored the significance of cooperation rooted in mutual respect, equality, and development.

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“China-Africa cooperation aims at development, focuses on people’s well-being, and responds to Africa’s urgent needs,” he said.

As examples of practical collaboration, he cited China’s zero-tariff treatment for African countries, highlighting efforts to boost independent development across the continent.

Dunhai also reaffirmed China’s strategic partnership with Nigeria, pledging continued alignment on development strategies and shared prosperity.

A Stand Against Global Hegemonism

Yu Dunhai did not shy away from addressing wider international concerns.

He criticized rising unilateralism and hegemonism in global affairs, warning that power politics and colonial mindsets undermine justice.

“History shows that unilateral bullying finds no support and will ultimately be discarded,” he said, reinforcing China’s commitment to supporting African sovereignty and dignity.

Impact and Consequences

The UNGA resolution carries significant moral and legal implications.

It sets a precedent for the international community to address historical injustices, not only through symbolic recognition but also by supporting reparations and cultural restitution.

For Africa and its diaspora, the declaration strengthens the case for restorative policies, legal recognition of historical harm, and frameworks to combat lingering economic and social inequalities rooted in slavery.

The resolution may also influence global diplomatic relationships, as countries now face growing pressure to acknowledge their historical roles in slavery and engage in cooperative solutions with affected nations.

What’s Next?

Moving forward, African nations and allies may push for actionable measures beyond symbolic recognition, including:

• Establishing legal frameworks for reparations.
• Returning stolen cultural artifacts.
• Implementing educational initiatives on the history of slavery.
• Strengthening international coalitions to address racial discrimination and inequality.

China has pledged to continue supporting Africa in these efforts, aligning diplomatic, economic, and cultural initiatives to promote development and historical justice.

Summary

The UNGA’s declaration is widely seen as a landmark achievement in global historical justice.

Ambassador Yu Dunhai highlighted the resolution’s potential to address centuries-old inequities, honor the dignity of victims, and guide practical reparatory actions.

China reaffirms its longstanding partnership with Africa, emphasizing shared development goals and moral responsibility.

Bulleted Takeaways

• UNGA formally declares the transatlantic slave trade the “gravest crime against humanity.”
• Resolution adopted with support from 123 countries, including China.
• Chinese Ambassador Yu Dunhai hails it as a historic milestone for justice and reparations.
• Resolution strengthens efforts for cultural restitution, reparatory justice, and anti-discrimination measures.
• China reaffirms commitment to Africa’s development, sovereignty, and strategic partnership.
• Calls made for continued collaboration to address historical trauma and inequality.
• Resolution could influence future diplomatic, legal, and educational initiatives globally.