International Day of Remembrance of Victims of Slave Trade: When for 400 years, 15 million people were enslaved

Every year on March 25, the world marks the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade.

The United Nations General Assembly Resolution 62/122, which established the Outreach Program on the transatlantic slave trade and slavery, also designated 25 March as the annual International Day of Remembrance of Slave Trade Victims. The Day is commemorated with ceremonies and events at the United Nations Headquarters in New York and throughout the United Nations framework.

Credits: https://www.un.org/en/rememberslavery
The day provides an opportunity to honour and commemorate those who suffered and died as a result of the transatlantic slave trade’s atrocities. Apart from that, the day is intended to raise awareness of injustices like as racism and bigotry, which are still pervasive in our cultures today.

The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) designated March 25 as the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade on December 17, 2007. The day, which was first observed in 2008, aims to honour and remember over 15 million men, women, and children who fell victim to the slavery system, which lasted over 400 years and is also regarded as the “worst violation of human rights in history.”

The Ark of Return, created by Haitian-American architect Rodney Leon, serves as a permanent memorial to commemorate enslavement victims. It was launched on March 25, 2015, at the United Nations in New York. It continuously serves as a reminder of how slavery’s legacy continue to harm us.

The day is commemorated globally and different events, including memorial services and candlelight vigils, are held in commemoration of individuals who died as a result of slavery, as a result of the slave trade, or while advocating to end slavery.

Additionally, the day serves as a reminder to educate younger generations about the consequences of racism, slavery, and the slave trade.

Please visit the United Nations outreach programme page to learn more: https://www.un.org/en/rememberslavery