They want the British to apologize and reparation for slavery. A summit of the Commonwealth of Nations is underway

The Heads of Government of the Commonwealth of Nations request British talks on reparation for colonialism and transatlantic slave trade. The first summit of the Commonwealth of Nations in 2 years, covering 56 countries inhabited by nearly 1 3rd of the world's population, is presently taking place in Samoa.

The organization, any of which are erstwhile colonies of the British Empire, consistently demands an apology and reparation from London.

A Community summit is held on the Samoa Sink, attended by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer. A Labour Party-led politician refused to focus on matters to compensate states for colonization. He asked to focus on "the real challenges concerning issues specified as the climate in the present ... not on what will end with very, very long, endless discussions about the reparation for the past".

However, the CARICOM Group, which brings together 15 Caribbean countries, announced that it would not quit force on the UK government on reparation. Eric Phillips of the CARICOM Committee on Reparations from erstwhile colonial powers, specified as the United Kingdom, France and Portugal, accused Starmer of taking a "cruel approach". The Labourist British government has not only ruled out the anticipation of paying compensation to states for colonial governments, but besides refuses to apologize for them.

Discussions on this subject are taking place “behind the scenes” in Samoa, as Kingsley Abbott, manager of the Institute of Community Studies of the University of London, which is taking part in the summit.

Community countries have led to these issues being included in the draft summit communication. It states that "Heads of State, noting calls for discussion on corrective justice in relation to transatlantic African slave trade and slavery... They agreed that it was time for a meaningful, sincere and respectful conversation to forge a common future based on equality."

The text of the Communication may change during diplomatic negotiations. However, it is known that Britain did not want any words about reparations in the communication at all. The Bahamian abroad Minister Frederick Mitchell expressed hope on Thursday on the radio that starting a conversation on this subject over time would consequence in a change of attitudes and decisions by the British. He called on the monarchy to express an apology for its function in the slave trade. – It's a simple matter. You can do that. Just 1 sentence, 1 verse He commented.

Starmer's government spokesperson at the beginning of this week stated that the authoritative position of the UK government was clear: there would be no reparation or apology.

Opponents of reparation payments keep that countries should not be held liable for historical harm. Supporters emphasize that the legacy of slavery has led to today’s tremendous and lasting racial inequality.

The summit in Samoa, which began on Friday, is besides attended by King Charles III, ceremonial head of the Commonwealth of Nations and 14 its members, including respective of the Caribbean.

CHOGM, which takes place all 2 years, He is to elect a fresh Secretary-General nominated from the African country, according to regional rotations in this post. All 3 candidates for this post publically called for reparation for slavery and colonialism.

Reparations and apologies are consistently denied by King Charles. The United Kingdom is presently struggling with economical problems and advanced costs of living. It is not at all keen to initiate discussions on "repair justice" and is committed to a strong integration of the full Community into the climate agenda. London wants to lead a global green revolution.

Experts estimation that 10 to 15 million slaves were brought from Africa to America in 4 centuries. This practice ended around 1870. The British royal household is alleged to have benefited from the slave trade and the Commonwealth for centuries. However, the monarch did not do so on Friday, asking delegates to “reject the language of division”. – Listening to people from all over the Commonwealth of Nations, I realize that the most painful aspects of our past inactive have a resonance – he said. – None of us can change the past. But we can commit ourselves wholeheartedly to learn from it and to find creative ways to correct the inequalities that continue. – he added.

– Slavery trade, slave practice were disgusting and it is very crucial that we start from here – said Prime Minister Starmer during a conversation with the British public broadcaster BBC at the summit. – The question is, then, “what next?” My position, if you prefer, is that we should look to the future, that we should look at today's challenges – he continued.

Joshua Setipa of Lesotho seeking the position of the next Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations stated that reparations may include non-standard forms of payment specified as financing climate-related projects.

Source: dawn.com, nzherald.co.nz

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