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Secretary-General António Guterres said, “The horrors of the transatlantic slave trade are an undeniable fact. Acknowledging this truth is not only necessary – it is vital for addressing past wrongs, healing the present, and building a future of dignity and justice for all.”

The Secretary-General spoke at an event today (25 Mar) marking the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade.

Guterres said, “it is also important that reparatory justice frameworks are grounded in international human rights law. Developed with the participation of affected communities. And acknowledge the terrible harms caused.”

The UN chief urged everyone to “play their part in building inclusive societies free from the evils of racism.”

He explained that it means countries complying with their international obligations – including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights; Implementing the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination; And becoming Parties to the Convention if they are not already.

“It means business leaders promoting equality and combatting racism. And it means civil society, and everyday people continuing to push for justice, and taking a stand against racism wherever and whenever it appears,” Guterres added.

President of the General Assembly, Philemon Yang said that on the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade, “we recall this history – and confront its legacy. And we reflect on the moral urgency of dismantling that legacy.”

Yang added, “We commit to laying the foundations for a more just future. One built upon respect for human dignity and human rights.”

Nobel Prize Laureate in Literature, Wole Soyinka spoke as a keynote speaker.

He said, “Until we adopt a holistic, comprehensive and egalitarian attitude to the phenomenon of slavery, I am afraid it is going to be with us for a very long time.”

Every year on 25 March, the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade offers the opportunity to honour and remember those who suffered and died at the hands of the slavery system. The International Day also aims to raise awareness about the dangers of racism and prejudice today.