African Ancestral Remains: A Call to Action for Repatriation and Justice
The Legislative Vacuum
LONDON: Some British lawmakers, NGOs, and researchers have called on the government to fix what they have described as a "legislative vacuum" that allows museums and other institutions to hold and display African ancestral remains taken during the colonial era.
The History of Colonization
For centuries, African ancestral remains, such as mummified bodies, skulls, and other body parts, were brought to Britain and to other former colonial powers, often as "trophies" or as commodities to be traded and displayed. These remains were taken without consent, and their removal and display have contributed to the dehumanization of African people.
The Growing Calls for Repatriation
There are growing calls worldwide for such remains, as well as looted art, to be repatriated to their communities or countries of origin. This is not only a matter of justice but also a way to restore dignity and respect to the ancestors and their descendants.
The Current State of Affairs
Although some efforts have been made to confront the long-standing issue, African remains are still held in various institutions across the country, such as museums and universities. This is due to a legislative vacuum, where the Human Tissues Act 2004 does not cover activities related to remains of people who died over a century ago, which excludes most ancestral remains held by museums and other institutions.
The Need for Action
Connie Bell, from the ‘Decolonising the Archive’ project, emphasized the importance of addressing this issue, saying, "We cannot allow the dehumanisation of our ancestors." Labour MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy brought the issue to parliament, highlighting the need for a legislative framework to ensure the safe repatriation of African ancestral remains.
Government Response
UK’s deputy prime minister Angela Rayner has agreed to further discuss the issue, and a meeting with the culture minister will take place soon. The cross-party group will present 14 policy recommendations, including making all sales of remains illegal "on the basis they are not commercial objects but human beings."
Policy Recommendations
The African Foundation for Development (AFFORD) has produced a policy brief outlining the following recommendations:
- Close loopholes in the Human Tissues Act 2004 to cover activities related to remains of people who died over a century ago.
- Make public display of human remains an offence if done without consent.
- Adopt a national restitution policy.
- Create a body to handle repatriation claims.
- Map out collections of human remains.
Conclusion
The time has come for the government to address the legislative vacuum and take concrete steps towards repatriation and justice. It is essential to recognize the rights and dignity of African people and to respect their ancestors. The UK government must work towards a future where African ancestral remains are returned to their rightful places, and where the dignity and humanity of the deceased are respected.
FAQs
Q: What is the purpose of the Human Tissues Act 2004?
A: The act covers the removal, storage, use, and disposal of human tissue.
Q: Why are African ancestral remains held in museums and universities?
A: They were taken during the colonial era and are now held in various institutions across the country.
Q: What is the call for repatriation?
A: It is a call for African ancestral remains to be returned to their communities or countries of origin, a process that is essential for justice, dignity, and respect.
Q: What are the policy recommendations?
A: They include closing loopholes in the Human Tissues Act 2004, making public display of human remains an offence, adopting a national restitution policy, creating a body to handle repatriation claims, and mapping out collections of human remains.