International day of ‘Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery’ observed today

The International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery is being marked today.

Countries around the world are observing the day to reaffirm their commitment to human rights, equality, and social justice. A special commemorative program is also being held at the United Nations headquarters to honor the occasion.

In 2006, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution identifying slavery and the transatlantic slave trade as some of the most serious violations of human rights in history. It also designated March 25, 2007, as the bicentenary of the abolition of the slave trade. Since 2008, March 25 has been observed each year as this international day of remembrance.

Historically, on March 25, 1807, Britain enacted the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act, which made the purchase, sale, exchange, and transportation of enslaved Africans illegal.

UNFPA in its press release:

One of the most horrific crimes in history, the transatlantic trade in enslaved Africans dehumanized more than 15 million men, women and children for more than four centuries, brutally robbing them of their human rights and leaving generations of trauma in its wake.

It also gave rise to false narratives of white supremacy and racial inferiority, which continue to linger today, with harmful prejudices and systems of exclusion and discrimination stripping communities of their ability to thrive and prosper.

Message from the UN secretary general:

Today we commemorate the victims of a staggering crime:

Millions of people stolen from their families and communities in Africa.

Trafficked across the Atlantic.

And — if they survived the journey — enslaved in the Americas.

Millions more were born into bondage, brutally exploited for their labour, and denied their basic humanity.

We honour their quiet resilience and courageous acts of open resistance.

This global order prevailed for over 400 years — and haunts our world even now.

In systems and institutions shaped and enriched by chattel slavery.

In social and economic inequalities rooted in past injustices.

And in biases that permeate our culture and impact us all.

On this International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade, we are called to confront these legacies.

By rejecting the false narrative of racial difference and the ugly lie of white supremacy.

By dismantling racism — online, in the media, in schools, at work, in politics, and within ourselves.

And by working for truth, justice, and repair.

I welcome the initial steps by some governments to address the consequences of slavery.

But far bolder actions — by many more Member States — are needed.

Including commitments to respect African countries’ ownership of their own resources.

And steps to ensure their equal participation and influence in the global financial architecture and the UN Security Council.

Together, let us commit to a world where all people live and thrive in dignity.

Similarly, an International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition is commemorated on 23 August each year. It was first celebrated in a number of countries, in particular in Haiti (23 August 1998) and Gorée Island in Senegal (23 August 1999). The day is remembered for the night of 22–23 August 1791 in Saint-Domingue, present-day Republic of Haiti, which marked the beginning of an uprising that would play a crucial role in the eventual abolition of the transatlantic slave trade.

Compiled from RSS and various United Nations related agencies' pages.