communique

For those who think the time has come for countries like the UK to face up to their pasts, the communique allows them to say the conversation continues.

British officials succeeded in blocking plans for an entirely separate declaration on reparatory justice, but at the moment are having to accept that some text on the subject will appear in the final communique.

The UK did not want any language in the communique about reparatory justice, but at the moment it is having to accept it will include three full paragraphs setting out the Commonwealth’s detailed position.

The draft communique says a majority of member states “share common historical experiences in relation to this abhorrent trade, chattel enslavement, the debilitation and dispossession of indigenous people”.

The current text of the draft summit communique – made known to the BBC – says: “Heads, noting calls for discussions on reparatory justice with regard to the transatlantic trade in enslaved Africans and chattel enslavement… agreed that the time has come for a meaningful, truthful and respectful conversation towards forging a common future based on equity.”