United Nations (UN)’s International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition is annually observed across the globe on August 23 to abolish the practice of slave trading and to remember the tragedy of the slave trade across the globe during colonial rule.
The day also spread awareness about the abolition of the slave trade and related practices.
- The day was chosen by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to memorialize the transatlantic slave trade.
Background:
i.The UNESCO Executive Board adopted Resolution 29 C/40 at its 29th session and proclaimed the 23rd August of every year as the International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition.
ii.In 1998, the circular of the Director-General of UNESCO minister of culture of member states, invited to organize the events to mark 23rd August of every year.
- While the day was marked by several countries around the globe, however, Haiti in 1998 and Goree Island in Senegal in 1999 were the first to celebrate the day.
What is slave trading?
i.The slave trade was a devastating and inhumane practice that took place over hundreds of years. It began in the early 16th century when European traders began to take African slaves to work on plantations in the Americas.
ii.Slaves were forced to work long hours under dangerous conditions, and they were often treated brutally by their captors. Many were tortured or killed, and millions were transported across the ocean in chains.
Haitian Revolution-
i.The Haitian Revolution is a series of conflicts between 1791 and 1804 between Haitian slaves, colonists, the armies of the British and French colonizers, and others.
ii.The revolt began on 22 August 1791, and ended in 1804 in Santo Domingo (present day Haiti and the Dominican Republic).
iii.It had played a crucial role in the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade.
About Slave Route Project:
- The Slave Route Project:Resistance,Liberty,Heritage” Project is a UNESCO initiative, officially launched in 1994 in Ouidah, Benin.
- It is a flagship project of UNESCO and its International Scientific Committee.
About United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO):
Founded-1945
Headquarters-Paris, France
Director General- Audrey Azoulay.
