African countries attending the world conference against racism in South Africa have taken a harder line on the issues of apology and reparation by former colonial powers.
They are also maintaining that colonialism, apartheid, genocide, and slavery – including the transatlantic slave trade - be recognised as "crimes against humanity."
"We believe that clearly compensation and reparation is a mechanism" to resolving the past injustices, said the South African Minister of Public Administration at a press conference this afternoon.
"We see reparation as a measure to ensure we facilitate a package of remedial measures that will be sustainable in dealing with the problems arising from the past crimes. We do not need handouts", Ms Geraldine Frazer Moleketi said.
She added: "Apology is important to us. Africa is not the first region to demand and be granted an apology."
At the press conference South African Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr Aziz Pahad said: "very impressive progress has been made since the beginning of the conference."
However, fears are growing among the Western delegates that apologising for past injustices could trigger a battle for a series of compensations.
The European Union delegation which has been fighting to have the issues of reparation and apology removed from a would-be declaration at the conference are said to be meeting over the issues.
A statement is expected from the group today.