Commonwealth leaders meet in Samoa to discuss climate and reparations
Summit in Samoa focuses on climate change and slavery reparations
Leaders of the Commonwealth nations will gather for a welcome banquet in Samoa on Thursday, focusing on climate change and reparations for Britain’s role in the transatlantic slave trade. The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting commenced on Monday in the South Pacific island nation, with representatives from 56 countries with historical ties to the British Empire attending.
British Prime Minister Kier Starmer stated on Monday that the UK will not initiate discussions on reparations for historical transatlantic slavery, but remains open to engaging with leaders who wish to address the topic. The push for reparations has gained traction globally, especially among the Caribbean Community and the African Union. The CARICOM reparations commission aims to seek reparations from former colonial powers such as the UK, France, and Portugal. Opponents argue that contemporary nations should not bear responsibility for past injustices, while proponents assert that the legacy of slavery has led to enduring and significant racial inequalities.
A CARICOM source indicated that CHOGM provides a vital platform for dialogue on reparations, with the issue set to be raised. Kingsley Abbott, director of the University of London’s Institute of Commonwealth Studies, attending the summit, emphasized the importance of listening to those affected by historical atrocities.
Commonwealth Leaders Set to Challenge UK on Slavery Reparations at Samoa Summit
The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) is poised to make significant waves as leaders from 56 member nations prepare to confront the United Kingdom over the issue of reparations for the… pic.twitter.com/NPhuBCoRB3
— ODRIMEDIA.co.ke (@odrimedia) October 24, 2024
From the 15th to the 19th century, European ships and merchants forcibly transported at least 12.5 million Africans into slavery. Those who survived the harrowing journey were subjected to brutal conditions on plantations in the Americas, particularly in Brazil and the Caribbean, while others profited from their forced labour.
More than half of the Commonwealth’s members are small states, many of which are low-lying island nations vulnerable to rising sea levels due to climate change. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted that ocean temperatures in the Pacific Islands are increasing at three times the global rate, exposing the population to significant risks from rising sea levels.
King Charles, attending CHOGM, will observe the impact of rising sea levels on Thursday, as people are forced to relocate inland, according to a Samoan chief. Island leaders are expected to issue a declaration on ocean protection, with climate change being a key topic at the summit. The event concludes on Saturday with a leaders’ retreat and a press conference.
What Other Media Are Saying
- The Telegraph reports that Sir Keir Starmer faces pressure at the Commonwealth summit over slavery reparations, with the UK government maintaining that payments and apologies are not on the agenda.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What is the main focus of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa?
The main focus is on climate change and reparations for Britain’s role in the transatlantic slave trade.
Is the UK open to discussing reparations for transatlantic slavery?
The UK will not initiate such discussions but is open to engaging with leaders on the topic.
Why is the issue of reparations significant at CHOGM?
CHOGM provides a platform for dialogue on reparations, particularly important for affected nations in the Caribbean and Africa.
What are some of the climate change concerns for Commonwealth nations?
Rising sea levels and increasing ocean temperatures, especially affecting low-lying island nations in the Pacific.
What is expected from the island leaders regarding climate change at CHOGM?
Island leaders are expected to issue a declaration on ocean protection.
