A Major Step for Justice in Africa
Religious, interfaith, ethical, and scientific organizations have taken a bold step in the fight for justice for people of African descent. At a recent African Union conference on justice and reparations, faith and ethical leaders played a key role in securing recognition of ecological debt as part of the historic Addis Ababa Declaration on Reparations.
This achievement aligns with Pope Francis’s encyclical Laudato Si’, which calls for urgent action on environmental degradation—especially in regions most affected by climate change and industrial exploitation.
“A true ecological debt exists, particularly between the global north and south, connected to commercial imbalances with effects on the environment, and the disproportionate use of natural resources by certain countries over long periods of time.” – Laudato Si’ 51
What is Ecological Debt?
Ecological debt refers to the environmental harm caused by historical exploitation, extractive industries, and ongoing climate injustices. It recognizes that:
- Wealthy nations and corporations have profited from Africa’s resources while leaving pollution, deforestation, and displacement behind.
- Communities that contribute the least to climate change suffer the most from its effects.
- Justice requires reparations—including financial compensation, land restoration, and a transition to sustainable energy.
Faith Leaders Leading the Call for Climate Justice
SECAM (Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar), the African Union Catholic Chaplaincy, HWPL (Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light), COPAB (Pan African Conference on Ethics and Bioethics), IAPD-Africa (Interreligious Association for Peace and Development), URI (United Religions Initiative), and other key partners came together at this conference to demand reparations, including ecological reparations. Their advocacy strengthens a growing global movement for climate justice
Ashley Kitisya, Africa Programs Manager at Laudato Si’ Movement (LSM), highlighted the significance of this recognition:
“Faith communities have a moral duty to stand for justice. Recognizing ecological debt in this declaration is a step toward healing both our people and our planet.”
This milestone sets a precedent for future advocacy, ensuring that those most affected by environmental destruction have a voice in shaping solutions.
The Addis Ababa Declaration: A Blueprint for Change
With the Addis Ababa Declaration, faith communities have a stronger advocacy foundation. The declaration calls upon:
1. Recognition of Historical Injustices and the Need for Reparations
The declaration acknowledges the lasting effects of slavery, colonialism, racial discrimination, and neo-colonialism on Africans and people of African descent. It affirms that reparations are a moral and legal imperative to address historical wrongs, promote healing, and combat systemic racism and economic inequalities.
2. Commitment to Restorative Justice and Institutional Frameworks
The declaration supports the establishment of an AU Committee of Experts on Reparations and an Ethical Reference Group to guide policy development and implementation. It also emphasises the need for knowledge-sharing on restorative justice and commemorating historical injustices, aligning with the AU’s Agenda 2063.
3. Inclusion of Ecological Debt and a Call for Action
Recognising environmental degradation caused by colonial exploitation, the declaration includes ecological debt as part of reparations. It calls on AU Member States, religious and ethical organisations, and African citizens—especially youth and women—to actively promote reparations, proposing a Decade of Reparations to advance justice and reconciliation.
What’s Next?
The Addis Ababa Declaration must go beyond words—it needs to drive real policy change. Faith communities and climate advocates are already mobilizing to make this happen.
Key priorities include:
✅ Advancing climate justice frameworks at the African Union and global platforms
✅ Advocating at COP30 for policies rooted in ecological reparations
✅ Strengthening grassroots movements to hold fossil fuel industries accountable and push for accessible renewable energy
Now is the time to turn commitments into action.
Join the Movement for Climate Justice! Become a Laudato Si Animator
Now more than ever, we must amplify faith voices in the climate justice movement.
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In the news:
- ACI Africa: Laudato Si’ Moral & Theological Foundation for Addressing Africa’s Ecological Reparations
- Faith and Ethical Communities Unite in Addis Ababa to Champion Reparative Justice for Africans and People of African Descent
- Faith Communities and Ethical Organisations Unite for Justice
- Faith and Ethical Communities Unite in Addis Ababa to Champion Reparative Justice for Africans and People of African Descent
- Faith communities set to act after Addis-Ababa convening on for reparative justice in Africa