August 29th, 2026

2026 is an important year in our international struggle for reparations. It marks the 25th anniversary of the UN World Conference Against Racism (WCAR), which produced the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action (DDPA), as well as the March 25 advancement of the DDPA through UN Resolution A/80/L.48, entitled Declaration of the Trafficking of Enslaved Africans and Racialized Chattel Enslavement of Africans as the Gravest Crime Against Humanity.

In the 25 years since Durban, no former colonizing state has undertaken a national program of repair. We therefore put forward August 29 (8/29) as a day to commemorate Durban and renew our call to action.

We must ensure that the “gravest crimes against humanity” resolution becomes a foundational framework for national and international reparations struggles, and recognize that further progress in our demand for reparations will require sustained pressure on the states responsible for these crimes.

Twenty-five years ago marked a major victory for Pan-African reparations. The DDPA was the first international declaration to recognize the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade and slavery as crimes against humanity and to affirm that reparations are owed to the descendants of the victims of these crimes. This was achieved through a global campaign led by Black NGOs, working closely with African and Caribbean countries in the U.N. to push through this consensus document.

Every country in the world joined the DDPA, except the United States and Israel, who walked out of the conference rather than acknowledge our right to reparations. Since then, they have continued efforts to “disappear Durban.” In 2026, the United States–Israel coalition was joined by Argentina, making them the three countries that voted against the resolution. The 123 countries that voted in favor demonstrate our Pan-African solidarity on the issue and recognize the decline of Western Imperialism.

The U.S. is using the 250th anniversary of its Declaration of Independence as a vehicle to consolidate fascism, embolden white supremacy, and erase real history. August 29, 2026, is a call for truth, restitution, and repair.
August 29 also falls during Black August, a time that calls on us to remember our political prisoners and the victims of racialized mass incarceration in the U.S. Our reparations demands must confront the most severe and enduring crimes against Black people.

Our right to reparations requires the active participation of the masses: our neighbors, co-workers, relatives, and friends. Spread the word about 08/29, endorse on behalf of your organization and join the efforts to organize a rally in the city nearest you – we’ll see you in the streets!

ENDORSE HERE (Organizations Only): https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfPkx_MXp-g2–uDBo9HWArWJwWccXKEjGkfN0_TF97HSiCCQ/viewform?pli=1