The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is calling on countries to involve young people, educators, artists and communities in commemorative activities marking the International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition.
Observed annually on August 23, the International Day is intended to keep alive the memory of the millions of people affected by the transatlantic slave trade, while encouraging reflection on its causes, consequences and lasting impact on societies.
The date marks the beginning of the 1791 uprising in Saint-Domingue, now Haiti, which played a crucial role in the eventual abolition of the transatlantic slave trade.
UNESCO emphasises the importance of remembering not only the victims of slavery but also those who resisted oppression and fought for freedom.
The organisation says remembrance should help future generations understand this history and its continuing legacy, while promoting dignity, equality and more just societies.
Through its Routes of Enslaved Peoples programme, UNESCO continues to support efforts to preserve historical memory, encourage education, and highlight the cultural heritage and resilience of communities affected by slavery.
The International Day therefore serves as both a moment of remembrance and an opportunity for societies to reflect on the lessons of the past and their relevance to the present.
