France Marks 25 Years Recognizing Slavery as Crime

Why this is here: The United Nations resolution recognizing slavery received 123 votes in favor, with only three countries voting against it—including the United States.

Ibrahima Thioub, a Senegalese historian at the University Cheikh-Anta-Diop in Dakar, observes the 25th anniversary of France’s law recognizing slavery as a crime against humanity. The 2001 Taubira Law made France the first nation to do so. This commemoration occurs as the United Nations recently recognized slavery and the transatlantic slave trade as the “most heinous crime against humanity” on March 25.

The UN resolution passed with 123 votes in favor, but faced debate. The United States, along with other nations, voted against the resolution, while all European states abstained, citing concerns about establishing a hierarchy of crimes against humanity. Some countries also noted the resolution’s omission of trans-Saharan and eastern trade routes.

Thioub advocates for rigorous scientific study of slavery and reparations, moving beyond ideological positions. He suggests national narratives still insufficiently integrate the history of slavery. Further research is needed to fully address the complexities of this history and its lasting impact.