Ghana highlights 19 pillars of the quest for reparatory justice
Story by: Regina Bless
As Ghana prepares to host a high-level side event on Reparatory Justice during the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly, attention has been drawn to the 19 pillars underpinning the global quest for reparatory justice.
The pillars form part of The Accra Next Steps Commitments on Reparatory Justice, adopted at the High-Level Consultative Conference held in Accra from June 17 to 19, 2026.
The 19 pillars are:
- Acknowledgment of Truth and Apology
- Law and Justice
- Compensatory Reparations
- Restitution of Cultural Property and Heritage
- Decolonisation
- Global Governance Reforms
- Transforming Global Economic and Development Architecture
- Debt Relief and Financial Justice
- Global Reparations Fund
- Corporate Accountability and Business Responsibility
- Technology Innovation and Capacity Building
- Public Health and Well-being
- Gender Justice
- Climate Justice
- Multi-Generational and Inter-Generational Dimension
- Spiritual, Psychological Rehabilitation and Social Healing
- Education, Knowledge and Cultural Renewal
- Truth, Documentation and Public Memory
- Diaspora Engagement, Citizenship and Right of Return
The framework presents reparatory justice as a broad agenda extending beyond financial compensation. It encompasses historical acknowledgment, legal and institutional reforms, cultural restitution, economic justice, health, education, climate concerns and the preservation of historical memory.
It also places emphasis on the role of the African diaspora, including issues surrounding citizenship, engagement and the right of return.
The upcoming high-level engagement in New York is expected to provide an opportunity for Ghana and its international partners to advance discussions on translating commitments on reparatory justice into concrete action.
The Accra Next Steps Commitments therefore serve as a framework for continued international dialogue on addressing the historical and contemporary consequences of slavery, colonialism and related injustices.