The Ambassador of the European Union to Ghana, Rune Skinnebach, has clarified that the bloc’s decision to abstain from a recent United Nations resolution on the transatlantic slave trade should not be interpreted as opposition to its core principles.
The resolution, spearheaded by John Dramani Mahama, describes the transatlantic slave trade as one of the gravest crimes against humanity. It has sparked renewed international dialogue on reparations, historical responsibility, and pathways to reconciliation.
Out of the total votes cast, 123 countries supported the motion, while three opposed it. A further 52 nations—including EU member states—chose to abstain, prompting questions about the bloc’s position.
Speaking on Channel One TV’s The Big Issue on Saturday, March 28, Skinnebach explained that the EU had actively participated in discussions at the United Nations headquarters in New York and had proposed several amendments during negotiations.
According to him, those proposals were not incorporated into the final draft, influencing the EU’s decision to abstain rather than vote in favour.
“We engaged constructively throughout the process and submitted a number of suggestions, but they were not reflected in the final outcome,” Skinnebach noted. “That is part of the negotiation process, and we respect it.”
He stressed, however, that abstaining did not signal disagreement with the resolution’s intent.
“Our position should not be misunderstood,” he said. “We did not vote against the resolution. Our abstention was based on specific concerns, but it does not mean we reject the moral foundation behind it.”
Skinnebach reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to addressing the enduring effects of slavery, highlighting the bloc’s willingness to collaborate on future initiatives aimed at healing historical wounds.
“We remain committed to a forward-looking and united approach in dealing with the legacy of slavery,” he added, pointing to past and ongoing efforts by the EU to confront historical injustices.
The resolution’s passage has intensified global attention on how nations reckon with the legacy of slavery, with growing calls for meaningful reparatory action and inclusive dialogue.
