International Day of Remembrance for Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade-25 March 2018.

‘’The transatlantic slave trade was the largest forced and legally sanctioned migration in human history. More than 15 million men, women and children from Africa were enslaved. The International Day of Remembrance was established to acknowledge a brutal chapter in human history, and to raise awareness of the dangers of racism and prejudice today. As we mark the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights this year, let us honour those who perished or suffered under slavery. Let us celebrate the gains of people of African descent. And let us press, every day and everywhere, to defend the dignity of every human being.’’ U.N Secretary General’s message to mark the International Day of remembrance for Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade.
A commemorative Programme of activities are scheduled to take place at the U.N. on dates throughout March. Events such as screening of the film ‘’Familiar Faces/Unexpected Places: A Global African Diaspora,’’ through to exhibitions such as ‘’Remember Slavery: Say it Loud,’’ NGO briefings and a Global Student Video Conference on the theme ‘’’Remember Slavery: Triumphs and Struggles for Freedom and Equality,’’ aim to mobilize educational institutions, civil society and other organizations to inculcate in future generations the “causes, consequences and lessons of the transatlantic slave trade, and to communicate the dangers of racism and prejudice.” (U.N. Resolution 62/122, 17 December, 2007).
Prepared by Anne Kelleher, RENATE Communications.