At the conclusion of a week-long summit in Samoa, Commonwealth leaders called for a meaningful discussion on whether Britain should commit to reparations for its role in the transatlantic slave trade.

The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting focused on slavery and climate change, with representatives from the 56 member countries emphasizing the need for a truthful conversation to address historical injustices.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer maintained that discussions were not focused on financial compensation.

The joint statement acknowledged the rising global momentum for reparations, particularly from the Caribbean Community and African Union, while also addressing issues like “blackbirding” — the coercion of Pacific Islanders into labor, CNN has reported.

Additionally, the summit produced the Commonwealth’s first Oceans Declaration, which affirms that maritime boundaries should remain fixed even if climate change submerges small island nations, allowing them to retain access to economic resources like fishing grounds.

Written by B.C. Begley