The Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Shirley Botchwey, has expressed confidence that member states will make progress toward formal discussions on reparations for the transatlantic slave trade, even if consensus may take time. Speaking on the issue, Botchwey said efforts are under way to foster dialogue among member nations, Reuters reported.
The Commonwealth, a 56-nation grouping that emerged from the British Empire and represents about 2.7 billion people across Africa, the Caribbean, Asia and the Pacific, has increasingly faced calls to address the legacy of slavery and colonialism. According to Investing.com, Botchwey indicated that any discussions would be multilateral in nature and could involve regional organisations such as the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the African Union, both of which have prioritised reparations in recent policy debates.
While some former colonial powers, including Britain, have previously expressed reservations about direct financial compensation, Botchwey suggested that reparations discussions need not be limited to monetary payments. As reported by Investing.com, she noted that reparatory justice could include a range of measures, potentially encompassing economic partnerships, development initiatives and symbolic acknowledgements.
The renewed momentum comes amid wider global conversations about historical accountability. As highlighted by RNZ, King Charles has acknowledged the “painful” legacy of slavery in past remarks, reflecting growing recognition of the issue even as formal mechanisms for redress remain under negotiation within the Commonwealth framework.
