Senior Reporter
jesse.ramdeo@cnc3.co.tt
Commonwealth leaders have agreed to pursue structured dialogue on reparatory justice, including the historical harms of the transatlantic trafficking of enslaved Africans, as the issue took centre stage at the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Antigua and Barbuda.
In their communiqué issued at the conclusion of the summit in St John’s, under the heading “Reparatory Justice,” leaders recalled commitments made in the 2024 Samoa Communiqué, agreeing that the time had come for “meaningful, truthful and respectful conversation” towards forging a common future based on equity.
The leaders acknowledged developments in the reparatory justice movement since that meeting, including the adoption of United Nations General Assembly Resolution A/RES/80/250, which declared the trafficking of enslaved Africans and racialised chattel enslavement of Africans the gravest crime against humanity.
They also recognised initiatives undertaken by the African Union, Caricom and other partners to advance reparatory justice and the restitution of cultural heritage.
A significant development highlighted in the communiqué was the agreement by the United Kingdom Government to engage in a structured, time-bound, inclusive and good-faith dialogue with affected parties addressing the transatlantic trafficking of enslaved Africans and its historical harms.
The development comes amid growing calls for Britain to formally apologise for its historical role in the slave trade.
During the summit’s opening ceremony, King Charles III described the transatlantic slave trade as a “shameful chapter of history,” saying it filled him with “profound sorrow.”
The monarch acknowledged that the trade in enslaved people continued to cast a shadow over the Commonwealth, an association of nations whose shared history includes the legacy of British colonialism.
However, despite the calls for a formal apology ahead of the summit, the King did not issue one in his address.
The communiqué’s recognition of the UK’s willingness to engage in structured dialogue marks an important step in the ongoing discussions surrounding historical injustices, although it does not amount to an agreement on reparations or an admission of liability.
Beyond reparatory justice, climate vulnerability and access to development financing featured prominently in the leaders’ discussions.
The communiqué reaffirmed the Commonwealth’s commitment to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement, including efforts to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
Leaders expressed concern that current emissions trajectories remain significantly off course and urged member countries to submit more ambitious national climate commitments supported by credible implementation plans.
They also called for scaled-up, predictable, accessible and adequate climate financing, particularly for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Least Developed Countries and other vulnerable nations.
The leaders stressed that climate finance must address both adaptation and mitigation, while highlighting the need for technology transfer and capacity-building.
Recognising the financial challenges confronting vulnerable economies, the communiqué also called for reforms to global financing arrangements, including debt-pause clauses and climate-linked debt instruments to protect countries from further fiscal pressures during crises.
The Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub was identified as an important mechanism requiring strengthening to help member countries access international climate funding.
The communiqué also outlined an ambitious agenda to strengthen economic cooperation and trade among Commonwealth nations.
Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to building a modern, open, inclusive and resilient economic partnership, with greater emphasis on trade, investment and sustainable development.
The growing influence of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies also featured in the communiqué.
Commonwealth leaders acknowledged the uneven access to digital infrastructure, tools and skills across member countries and committed to bridging the digital divide.
They emphasised the importance of equipping young people and workers with skills aligned to evolving labour markets, including artificial intelligence and data literacy, critical thinking, creativity and entrepreneurship.
The communiqué also called for ethical, inclusive, safe and trustworthy AI governance, with safeguards to protect human rights and personal data.
Leaders further recognised the need to address technology-facilitated gender-based violence and other AI-enabled harms affecting women, children and young people.
