Columbia International Affairs Online: Working Papers

CIAO DATE: 11/2008

Moral Integrity and Reparations to Africa

Rhoda E. Howard-Hassmann

January 2002

Institute on Globalization and the Human Condition, McMaster University

Abstract

This paper presents some very preliminary thoughts on reparations due to Sub-Saharan Africa, including acknowledgment, apology, and financial compensation.2 I am a political sociologist, a specialist in international human rights with a background in African studies. Focusing on the factual history of Africa, I consider the possibility of arguing a case for Western compensation for racial discrimination. I also consider the case for acknowledgment, apology and compensation drawn from the need to recognize the moral integrity of Africans.