Statement on reparations – redressing inequalities
Members of QAIG welcome Britain Yearly Meeting 2022’s resolve to build on our 2021 decision to be an anti-racist church and look at ways to make meaningful reparations for historic failings. The issues have been referred to Yearly Meeting Trustees, to Meeting for Sufferings, and to Area Meetings for discussion and action.
BYM 2022 Minute 33 says:
….Quakers and others are already taking forward work to understand how reparations might be made for the harms of the transatlantic slave trade, colonialism and economic exploitation, the trauma and impact of which is felt in the lives of Friends and others today. We do not need to begin this work afresh, but can build upon the foundations laid by others and work with partners including other churches and faith groups.
QAIG wants to participate in the ongoing discussions. We have stories/case studies, experience and routes for practical reparations, which are closely linked with Quaker work on climate justice. We prefer to say: redressing inequalities. We cannot be responsible for what past generations have done.
QAIG’s approach to these complex issues is to recognise that:
- Injustice is not only historic but ongoing. The transatlantic slave trade has ended but the way rich countries relate to Africa and the Global South generally is still exploitative – e.g .poor countries suffer most from climate change that rich countries cause and are unwilling to compensate for;
2. Redressing inequalities and loss and damage – not reparations. We should aim to redress inequalities, rather than trying to identify who is owed compensation for injustices, and how much. We should not get hung up on mechanisms, but have a broad approach to making amends for loss and damage caused;
3. Working in partnership. When planning the way forward to redress inequalities, it is crucial that we listen to those most affected, and work in partnership (in QAIG’s case, with African people) to avoid the continuation of colonialist practices and attitudes.
How can QAIG help?
The projects supported by QAIG members are long term, faithful ways to redress inequalities/loss and damage. Our work is in the present, whilst respecting the past.
We work in partnership with African people, including Quakers. As a network we continue working through issues about our own attitudes, authentic partnership working and language and imagery.
QAIG has much experience on the ground. We work in a range of areas – education at all levels, peace building, health, agriculture, sustainability and capacity development. We and our partners have stories to tell of what has worked and what hasn’t, how vital relationships have been built, and where those concerned think funds have been wisely spent.
We are still learning how to work together; this journey continues.
We want to work with others in BYM including QPSW, Quaker World Relations Committee and Woodbrooke, and with Friends World Committee for Consultation.
QAIG offers some practical ways forward:
- QAIG can create opportunities for partnership, for example, by hosting ‘round table’ discussions with partners in Africa to hear their ideas about how BYM/AMs/LMs might help to redress inequalities;
- QAIG can share a multitude of stories about building partnerships and working relationships in Africa;
- QAIG groups welcome Meetings/individuals who want to share in work already under way – see information about active QAIG projects on our website:
Interested? Contact qaig.uk@gmail.com
Ann Floyd, Lee Taylor (co-clerks, QAIG)
August 2022
Quaker Africa Interest Group (QAIG) 