France, March 25 -- Backed strongly by African nations, the initiative at the UN seeks not only to acknowledge the scale and brutality of the centuries-long trade, but also to open the door to deeper conversations around justice and redress.

Advocates say Wednesday's resolution will be a meaningful step forward in recognising the enduring legacy of slavery in shaping modern inequalities.

Ghana's President John Mahama - one of the most prominent voices pushing for reparations - travelled to UN headquarters this week to rally support.

Addressing delegates on Tuesday, he described the vote as an opportunity for the world to "collectively bear witness" to the suffering of more than 12.5 million Africans who were forcibly taken from th...