UNIS/SGSM/1392
22 March 2024
For four hundred years, enslaved Africans fought for their freedom, while colonial powers and others committed horrific crimes against them.
On the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade, we remember and honour the millions of Africans who were trafficked and enslaved.
Their lives were ruled by terror, as they endured rape, floggings, lynchings and other atrocities and humiliations.
Many of those who organized and ran the Transatlantic slave trade amassed huge fortunes. Meanwhile, the enslaved were deprived of education, healthcare, opportunity, and prosperity.
This laid the foundations for a violent discrimination system based on white supremacy that still echoes today.
Descendants of enslaved Africans and people of African descent are still fighting for equal rights and freedoms around the world.
Today and every day, we reject the legacy of this horrific crime against humanity.
We call for reparatory justice frameworks, to help overcome generations of exclusion and discrimination.
We appeal for the space and necessary conditions for healing, repair and justice.
And above all, we resolve to work for a world free from racism, discrimination, bigotry and hate.
Together, as we remember the victims of the Transatlantic Slave Trade, let’s unite for human rights, dignity and opportunity for all.
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"On this important day, let's protect, defend and uphold all human rights for all people." — António Guterres
"The best way to honour the victims and survivors of genocide is to ramp up action to prevent this atrocious crime." — António Guterres
The 2024 report, covering 156 countries from all regions and subregions of the world,presents an analysis of the patterns, flows and trends of trafficking in the aftermath of the global Covid-19 pandemic.
"Volunteers embody the best of humanity. On this important day, let’s draw inspiration from their example, and resolve to do our part to help shape a better world for all." — António Guterres
