International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition

International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition

Basic Information

International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition is observed every year on August 23 to memorize the transatlantic slave trade.


Observed On: 23 August

Organized by: UN, UNESCO

Observed: Worldwide


About International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition

Every year August 23 is designated by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) as International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition to memorize the transatlantic slave trade. The decision was chosen by the adoption of resolution 29C/40 by the Organizations General Conference. The date is significant because, during the night of August 22 to August 23, 1791 on the island of Saint Dominigue (now known as Haiti), an uprising began which set forth events which were a major factor in the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade.

In history it is seen that millions of people from their homes, including an estimated 17 million Africans brought to the New World and sold as slaves. UNESCO invites all of its member states and people around the world to remember this history and continue struggles for freedom, against racial prejudice inherited from the past and against contemporary forms of slavery that affect millions of people.


Activities and Programs on the Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition

Events are organized by UNESCO member states every year with the participation of young people, educators, artists and intellectuals. The day remembers the history of slave trade and its abolition in many countries with different programs. The day also gives a chance to think about the historic causes, the methods and the consequences of slave trade.

The performances like music, drama, dance etc. are used to spread the theme of the day. Films and social media were also used for this purpose. The programs are organized to educate society about the negative consequences of slave and also to shoe the pain and problems of the slave trade.

International day for the remembrance of slave trade and its abolition also pays tribute to those who worked hard to abolish the slave trade and slavery throughout the world. This also gives great impact on human rights movements all around the world.

In 1994 UNESCO launched the “Slave Route Programme” which mostly aimed at highlighting the economic, social, cultural and demographic transformations resulting from the transatlantic slave trade.


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