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King Charles III has emphasised the need for the Commonwealth to confront its “painful” history during a speech at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Samoa on Friday.
His remarks came as African and Caribbean nations have increasingly pushed for reparations related to Britain’s historical role in transatlantic slavery.
Representatives from 56 countries, many with ties to Britain’s former empire, are participating in the summit, where slavery and climate change have emerged as key themes.
“I understand from listening to people across the Commonwealth how the most painful aspects of our past continue to resonate,” Charles said.
“It is vital, therefore, that we understand our history, to guide us towards making the right choices in future.”
The call for reparations from former colonial powers, including Britain, has gained significant momentum, particularly among the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the African Union.
Advocates argued that the legacy of slavery has contributed to persistent racial inequalities, while opponents contend that countries should not be held accountable for historical injustices.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has rejected calls for financial reparations and ruled out an official apology for the UK’s historical actions. However, he has expressed a willingness to engage with leaders on the issue.
A source from Starmer’s office indicated that the Prime Minister has “opened the door to non-financial reparations,” which could include restructuring financial institutions and providing debt relief.
The debate surrounding reparations encompasses various forms, from financial payments and apologies to technology transfer and educational programs.
CARICOM has formulated its own reparations plan, underscoring the growing urgency of the discussion.
Bahamas Foreign Minister Frederick Mitchell highlighted that the summit’s draft conclusion includes calls for a discussion on reparations.
“If we say we want greater equality and equity in the world, the way to do this is to examine what and how reparations might manifest, rather than to shut down the conversation,” said Jacqueline McKenzie, a lawyer at London firm Leigh Day, which is investigating potential reparations claims.
Historically, between the 15th and 19th centuries, approximately 12.5 million Africans were forcibly taken from their homes and sold into slavery, primarily by European ships and merchants.
Those who survived the harrowing voyages endured inhumane conditions while toiling on plantations in the Americas, with others profiting from their labour.
Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland, a British diplomat from Dominica, remarked on the Commonwealth’s resilience, stating, “We have demonstrated an unparalleled ability to confound the painful history which brought us together and sit together as equals for 75 years.”
In addition to discussions on reparations, the summit is expected to result in the signing of the Commonwealth Ocean Declaration, which aims to enhance financing for ocean health and establish maritime boundaries for small island nations, even as they face existential threats from rising sea levels.
“What the Ocean Declaration seeks to do and to say is that once your marine boundaries are fixed, they’re fixed in perpetuity,” Scotland explained.
“This is incredibly important because it will give real hope to many who are frightened and are feeling no one’s watching, no one’s listening, no one’s caring – and that’s not true.”
Scotland noted that more than half of the Commonwealth’s members are small nations, many of which are low-lying islands vulnerable to climate change impacts.
“You come to this beautiful paradise, and then you realise that paradise is in danger,” she added, highlighting the urgent need for collective action on climate-related challenges.
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