International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade: A Call to End Racism and Injustice
International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade is a UN observance celebrated every March in honor of individuals who were victims of the transatlantic slave trade. The transatlantic slave trade has been described as the worst violation of human rights in human history, claiming the lives of nearly 15 million men, women, and children over 400 years.
This day, we honor and remember the millions of people, especially Africans, who were enslaved and forced to work in the US, UK, and other industrialized nations by powerful governments. To put a stop to the slave trade and recognize the suffering of individuals who were subjected to cruel forced labor, the United Kingdom passed the Abolition Act.
Today is also dedicated to raising awareness of the danger of racism and discrimination in contemporary times. People of African origin around the world are continually affected by racism due to the Transatlantic Slave Trade, which is still being perpetuated in the form of harmful prejudices and beliefs.
History of International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade
The largest and undoubtedly cruelest forced migration in history was the transatlantic slave trade. A huge African exodus that lasted for 400 years spread over the world in a manner never seen or documented in human history. The proportion of Africans to Europeans who crossed the Atlantic between 1501 and 1830 was four to one, meaning that Africans made up a larger portion of the American population than Europeans.
About 20 million people were forcibly transported from Africa to Central, South, and North America, and Europe between the 16th and 19th centuries. The transatlantic trade was a lucrative triangular trade connecting Europe, the Americas, and West Africa. It served as the basis for the majority of Britain’s financial prosperity. In different slave trade systems, slaves were exchanged as men, women, and children. Up to 2.4 million slaves perished during the journey, and millions more died shortly after. These slaves were bought and sold to work in rice fields, mines, and as domestic servants.
Britain was the first nation to enact laws banning the slave trade in 1807, and by 1815, they convinced Portugal, Spain, France, and the Netherlands to do the same. Nearly five years later, in 1820, slave trade became illegal in the United States and was abolished in 1865.
The Suffering of Enslaved Children
Children were not spared in the inhuman act of slavery. For more than four centuries, they were kidnapped, trafficked, dehumanised and forced to work. They were torn from their loved ones and abused.
Most of these children were denied any form of education or healthcare, and their childhood was forcibly taken from them. Some never knew freedom as they were born into slavery, grew up and died slaves.
Recommendations
- Countries should implement educational programmes to teach children about slavery and its consequences.
- Children should be taught about the slave trade in schools to prevent the distortion and falsification of historical facts.
- Textbooks and other educational materials about the slave trade should be encouraged and available in the school library.
- Museums should reflect the pictorial view of the transatlantic slave trade.
How To Observe International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade
The following are ways you can mark this day:
a. Spread Awareness
One of the ways to celebrate is to spread awareness about the dangers of racism and prejudice in our world today. Schools should organise a seminar and teach students about slavery and its dangers. Parents and guardians should equally tell stories about slavery and the slave trade to their children.
b. Donate Money
Sadly, slavery still exists today in modern form, even after it was abolished. We can help stop modern-day slavery by donating to organizations that fight slavery, like the UN through the United Nations Voluntary Trust Fund on Contemporary Forms of Slavery.
c. Visit the Ark of Return
You can visit the Ark of Return, which is a permanent monument by the UN to honor slavery and the victims of the transatlantic slave trade. It is a reminder that the effects of slavery, such as discrimination and inequality, are still with us even today.
Conclusion
Today is a powerful reminder of the millions of people who suffered due to slavery and to ensure it never repeats again. This painful history encourages us to educate children and the masses about slavery and its effects, and make efforts to eradicate racism and discrimination in our society. By this, we work towards a just and equitable world where our children can thrive.
