On the solemn occasion marking the International Day of Remembrance for the victims of the transatlantic slave trade, UN Secretary-General António Guterres underscored that, although the trade ended centuries ago, its repercussions resonate today. He highlighted how systemic racism, economic exclusion, and racial violence continue to hinder the progress of people of African descent. Guterres called for governments to confront this suppressed history and take concrete actions to honour the legacy of the trade.
Over four centuries, an estimated 25 to 30 million Africans were forcibly uprooted from their homelands, suffering through a perilous journey across the Atlantic. The devastation to families and communities, fuelled by greed and racial ideologies, remains etched in history. In 2007, the UN designated March 25 as a day to remember these victims, coinciding with the UK’s Abolition of the Slave Trade Act in 1807 and the revolution that led to Haiti’s independence.
Even post-abolition, many former enslaved individuals were denied compensation, with some forced to pay for their freedom, as exemplified by Haiti’s financial burdens. Tools for remembrance should also serve as catalysts for reflection and action against ongoing racism and discrimination. Guterres stressed this necessity is vital for healing past wounds and ensuring a dignified, just future for all.
Philémon Yang, President of the General Assembly, reiterated the Secretary-General’s sentiments, articulating that despite formal abolition, many racial inequalities persist, affecting housing, employment, and justice systems. Yang argued that rectifications require acknowledged injustices and policy reforms, along with an educational commitment to addressing slavery and its impacts.
This year marks the decade since the unveiling of the Ark of Return, a memorial housed in New York, designed by Rodney Leon. This monument stands as a powerful tribute to resilience against the slave trade’s horrors while also educating future generations about the dangers of racism and exclusion.
Wole Soyinka, a Nobel Laureate, also lent his voice to the commemoration, advocating for dynamic memorials that not only honour the past but encourage movements toward justice. He proposed a ‘Heritage Voyage of Return’ retracing the routes of enslaved individuals, promoting cultural exhibitions and educational spaces.
At the event, young poet Salome Agbaroji implored people of African descent to reclaim their narratives. She urged society to recognise the intrinsic value of cultural heritage beyond mere economic contributions, calling for educational initiatives that empower and inform future generations about their rightful history and narratives.
The International Day of Remembrance highlights the ongoing impacts of the transatlantic slave trade, as articulated by UN Secretary-General António Guterres. He emphasized the need for acknowledgment and proactive measures against systemic racism affecting people of African descent. The event featured discussions on education, memorials like the Ark of Return, and calls for change from leaders like Wole Soyinka and Salome Agbaroji, focusing on cultural reclamation and policy reforms to address historical injustices.
The commemoration of the transatlantic slave trade victims reminds us of the enduring legacy of slavery, highlighting the need for societal acknowledgment and transformation. Secretary-General Guterres and President Yang call for comprehensive actions against racism, education reform, and the importance of memorials that encourage reflection and dialogue. The Ark of Return and discussions inspired by voices like Wole Soyinka and Salome Agbaroji serve as potent reminders of history while pushing us toward a future defined by justice and equity.
Original Source: news.un.org
