Commonwealth leaders have declared that “the time has come” to open discussions on reparatory justice, despite the UK’s efforts to keep the topic off the agenda.
The decision, reached during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) on Saturday, represents a setback for the UK, which aimed to avoid any mention of reparatory justice.
Following the summit, Keir Starmer acknowledged that the text “notes calls for discussion and agrees that this is the time for conversations.” However, he emphasized that “none of the discussions have been about money,” reaffirming the UK’s position on the matter.
Although the UK government had stated that reparations were not on the agenda and reiterated its stance against paying reparations, Commonwealth leaders ultimately included a section on reparatory justice in the summit communique.
While Starmer’s administration succeeded in blocking a separate declaration on the subject, proponents of reparatory justice argue that it can take various forms, such as educational programs, debt relief, or other types of economic support. Starmer has also underscored the significance of assisting Commonwealth nations in securing climate finance.
When asked what shape the discussions might take, Patricia Scotland, the outgoing Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, stated that the organization would approach the issue with the same commitment and sensitivity it has applied to other challenging matters.
Starmer downplayed the prominence of the section on reparations, describing it as a small part of a “lengthy communique.” He reiterated that the priority for Commonwealth countries at the summit was addressing resilience to climate change.
He added that the UK-Caribbean Forum next year would provide the next opportunity to continue discussions on the topic, acknowledging the strong sentiments expressed by other leaders during the summit.
The communique’s reference to reparatory justice extended beyond the transatlantic slave trade to include historical injustices in the Pacific. It acknowledged the shared experiences of many Commonwealth nations regarding the exploitation and displacement of Indigenous peoples, as well as the brutal practice of “blackbirding,” in which Pacific Islanders were coerced into forced labor in colonies like Australia.
The document stated: “Leaders, recognizing calls for discussions on reparatory justice for the transatlantic slave trade and chattel slavery, and acknowledging the significance of this issue for Commonwealth member states, agreed that the time is right for a sincere and meaningful dialogue aimed at building a future founded on fairness.”
It further committed to promoting inclusive conversations on these historical harms, with a special focus on the disproportionate suffering of women and girls.
Starmer reiterated that financial compensation was not discussed. “No figures were considered,” Bahamian Foreign Minister Frederick Mitchell said in an interview with BBC Radio, expressing hope that a report on the matter would lead to future talks. He also referenced the UK’s 2013 decision to compensate Kenyans tortured during the Mau Mau uprising, suggesting that history often moves toward justice.
Kingsley Abbott, director of the Institute of Commonwealth Studies, called the summit’s decision a potential turning point, saying the commitment to reparatory justice discussions could pave the way for a significant historical process. He urged the Commonwealth’s new leadership to embrace this opportunity with boldness and vision.
