On March 25, 2025, the United Nations General Assembly voted on a resolution brought forward by Ghana, recognizing slavery and the transatlantic slave trade as “among the gravest crimes in the history of humanity”—and calling for reparatory justice to address its lasting impacts.

The result was overwhelming—but not unanimous.

123 countries voted in favour.

3 countries voted against: United States, Israel, and Argentina.

And 52 countries chose not to support the resolution, including:

Canada, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Australia, Japan, Netherlands, Sweden, Spain, Italy, and others across Europe and allied nations.

This episode breaks down what that vote actually meant, what countries were really being asked to support, and why some chose to stand back when the conversation shifted from recognition to responsibility.

But this conversation isn’t just for the Black diaspora—and it’s not only about our ancestors.

It’s also about the present.

About systems.

About wealth.

About what it means to be an ally—not just in words, but in action.

Because if slavery is one of the gravest crimes in human history…

then neutrality isn’t neutral.

And the real question becomes:

Who is willing to stand on justice today?

The U.S. Said No. Canada Abstained. On Accountability for Slavery.