AACC and AU organized a side event on Reparative Justice and Racial Healing at the UN Permanent Forum on People of African Decent

Between 14th and 17th April 2025, United Nations (UN) member states, organs and bodies, civil society organizations and people of African Descent gathered at the UN headquarters in New York for the fourth session of the Permanent Forum on People of African Descent. The theme of the session was, “Africa and people of African descent: United for reparatory justice in the age of Artificial Intelligence.”

During this session, the All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC) and the African Union (AU) held a side event on 15th April 2025 to explore faith perspectives on reparatory justice and racial healing. The event aimed at amplifying the prophetic voice of the Church in the discourse on reparative justice and to deepen partnership between the African Union, AACC and its members to forge practical pathways for reparative justice. It also intended to propose actionable steps for incorporating reparations into the AU and AACC flagship programs and policies.

In his remarks, Dr. Onyekachi Macaulay Obasi Kalu, Secretary General of the African Union Sixth Region Global described restorative and reparative justice as twin pillars of healing.

“Whereas restoration focuses on repairing what was taken, reparation focuses on rebuilding what was broken and together, they form the foundation for true reconciliation and lasting justice.” He explained.

The AACC General Secretary, Rev. Dr. Fidon Mwombeki stressed that real reparative justice goes beyond restitution in form of compensation to acknowledging the history of harm, addressing the ongoing impacts of that harm, and striving for true healing and restoration.

“This is a long process that requires honesty, courage, and the willingness to confront uncomfortable truths.” He emphasized.

The side event involved a panel discussion featuring Rev. Dr. Angelique Walker Smith, the World Council of Churches President for North America-Turtle Island, Bishop Bannie Manga of the Methodist Church of Gambia, Mr. Salem Matug, senior political officer at the AU and Ambassador Rev. Ladi Peter Thompson, the Deputy Secretary General & Director for Peace and Security, Africa Union Sixth Region Global.

Click here to read AU’s press release on the side event

In the photo: Group photo of participants at the side event. [Courtesy - Mr. Justice Oman]