BRIDGETOWN, Barbados — Barbados has hosted a major regional conference focused on reparations for slavery and colonialism, bringing Caribbean representatives together to discuss a coordinated approach to the issue.

The conference, held in Barbados, has focused on developing an action plan for pursuing reparatory justice, including potential diplomatic and legal strategies. Regional participants have discussed the possibility of taking the issue to international institutions if diplomatic efforts do not produce progress.

Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley has been among the regional leaders addressing the issue. The discussions form part of a wider Caribbean effort coordinated through the CARICOM Reparations Commission.

The talks come after a United Nations resolution in March 2026 that acknowledged slavery as a grave crime against humanity. The regional initiative is focused on recognition, justice and possible forms of redress for the historical impact of slavery.

The Barbados conference has placed Caribbean diplomacy, reparations policy and regional cooperation back at the centre of political discussion.

Further decisions on the regional action plan are expected to shape how Caribbean governments approach the issue in international forums.

Excerpt: Barbados hosts regional reparations talks as Caribbean leaders work on an action plan addressing slavery, colonialism, diplomatic negotiations and potential legal avenues for reparatory justice.