Algeria is spearheading a global call for explicit international recognition of the systematic criminal nature of slavery and colonialism. Speaking at a high-level consultative conference in Accra, Ghana, on reform justice and historical reparations concerning the Atlantic slave trade, the Speaker of the Council of the Nation, Mr. Azzouz Naceri, representing the Algerian President, urged the United Nations and former colonial powers to acknowledge these practices as egregious crimes against humanity.
Algeria advocates international recognition of slavery and colonialism as crimes
Algeria champions the engagement of African historians and international law experts in a collaborative effort to gather irrefutable evidence, documents, and legal testimonies that prove the systematic targeting of African peoples throughout the eras of slavery and colonialism. Drawing inspiration from its own liberation struggle against brutal colonial practices, Algeria has declared its readiness to provide its extensive historical documents, material evidence, and verified testimonies to competent African and international bodies.
The nation's own history bears witness to horrific violations and appalling crimes committed during attempts to suppress its people's will and resistance, including acts of genocide and the use of prohibited chemical and nuclear weapons. Algeria pledges to place this valuable documentary evidence at the disposal of the unified African stance, supporting the pursuit of truth, justice, and equity.
Furthermore, Algeria warmly welcomed the UN General Assembly's adoption of a resolution designating the transatlantic slave trade as one of the gravest crimes against humanity. The Speaker extended sincere congratulations and appreciation to Ghana for its significant diplomatic achievement, highlighting the resolution as a triumph for historical truth after decades of denial and a pivotal moment in seeking justice and restoring dignity to millions of African victims.
This resolution is also viewed as a crucial step toward Africa's effective participation in shaping international legal norms, a contribution long denied to the continent for centuries. Algeria reiterated its steadfast support for all initiatives by the African Union aimed at establishing a clear legal framework that unequivocally classifies slavery and colonialism as among the most heinous international crimes in human history.
Mr. Naceri proudly recalled Algeria's hosting of the International High-Level Conference in 2025, titled 'Colonial Crimes in Africa: Towards Consolidating Historical Truth and Criminalizing Colonialism.' The conference culminated in the adoption of the 'Algiers Declaration,' a foundational document endorsed by the African Union Summit in February 2026, which outlines a comprehensive roadmap. Key priorities include a formal call for official recognition of colonial crimes, their inclusion in contemporary international law, the preservation of historical memory, the restitution of looted cultural property and national archives, and the repatriation of human remains.
The declaration also emphasizes international responsibility, both criminal and material, for the devastating economic, environmental, and social consequences of colonial policies in Africa. Algeria expressed its profound satisfaction with the African Union's adoption of its proposal to dedicate an official African Day to commemorate victims of the transatlantic slave trade, colonialism, and apartheid. November 30th, the anniversary of the Algiers conference, will now be observed annually as this significant day.
Algeria reaffirmed that the demands of Africans and those of African descent for reparations represent a legitimate aspiration for redress, restoration of dignity, and correction of historical imbalances, aiming to build an international system based on equality, human dignity, solidarity, cooperation, and equitable partnership, rather than dominance or tutelage. Domestically, the Algerian Parliament unanimously ratified a law criminalizing colonialism on April 12, 2026.
Related topics: Algeria, colonialism, slavery, international law, reparations, African Union
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