The Baku Initiative Group declares its full support for the resolution adopted by the UN General Assembly, recognizing the transatlantic slave trade as "the gravest crime committed against humanity".
According to information provided by BIG to Modern.az, BIG considers this adopted resolution a significant step forward towards eliminating the centuries-long colonial discrimination and historical injustice against peoples of African descent.
It was noted that BIG values the issue of reparations not only as financial compensation but also as an integral part of a broader concept of justice, and has repeatedly raised the issues of official apologies, the return of cultural heritage artifacts plundered during the colonial period, the establishment of education and endowment funds, and the formation of international mechanisms to guarantee that such crimes are never repeated: “Our organization has consistently brought the injustices faced by peoples of African descent to international platforms, and in this regard, actively participated in the “35th Session of the Working Group of Experts on People of African Descent” and the “4th Session of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent” at the UN Headquarters in December 2024 and April 2025. During these sessions, BIG once again raised the issues of eliminating neocolonialism and protecting the rights of peoples of African descent in territories subjected to colonialism. Furthermore, numerous reports concerning peoples of African descent still living under colonial rule have been published, and a report on the work undertaken has been submitted to the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. The reference to the Baku Initiative Group in the UN Secretary-General's report confirms that the organization is recognized as a trusted international partner and plays a crucial role as a platform for conveying the voices of peoples subjected to colonialism to the world. The Baku Initiative Group calls on UN member states to implement the provisions arising from this resolution through practical steps, deepen the dialogue on reparations, and undertake concrete commitments towards establishing historical justice”.
