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

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

International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and Its Abolition is a significant observance that aims to raise awareness about the tragic history of the transatlantic slave trade and to promote tolerance and respect for the dignity of human beings. Instituted by United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), this day stresses the importance of educating people about the atrocities of the past in order to prevent recurrence. It also acknowledges the strength, resistance, courage, and creativity of the enslaved people, who rose against oppression and contributed immensely to cultural and social advancements.

The history of this observance goes back to August 23, 1791, when in Haiti, a slave uprising led by Toussaint Louverture began, which eventually contributed to the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade. India, as a diverse and multicultural nation, has a rich history of interactions with various cultures around the world, including Africa, and many Indians have faced different forms of slavery and servitude throughout history. Thus, International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and Its Abolition holds significance for the Indian population as it encourages historical reflection and promotes the eradication of modern-day slavery and human trafficking.

In India, the observance of International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and Its Abolition occurs alongside other countries on the 23rd of August. It offers an opportunity for various educational institutions, government organizations, civil society groups, and individuals to organize events and discussions that deepen the understanding of the historical aspects and raise awareness about contemporary manifestations of slavery and human trafficking. Ultimately, this day serves as a reminder of the collective responsibility of fostering a more inclusive, respectful, and tolerant society based on the principles of human rights and social justice.

Facts about this day

• According to gilderlehrman.org, from 1526 to 1867, some 12.5 million slaves were shipped from Africa. Only about 10.7 million arrived in the Americas.
• About 90% of enslaved Africans were imported into the Caribbean and South America. Despite this, by 1825, the US population included about 1/4 of the people of African descent in the New World.
• The legacy of slavery and segregation has resulted in ongoing economic disparities between different racial and ethnic groups in many societies across the globe.
• Records of slavery in India can be traced back to ancient texts like the Manusmriti, which laid out a caste system that justified the exploitation of certain groups. This system has perpetuated so-called untouchability and discrimination against the lowest castes for thousands of years.
• According to the Global Slavery Index, India has one of the largest populations of people living in modern-day slavery, with an estimated number of over 8 million people. This includes sexual exploitation, forced labor, and child labor.

In the News and Trending in India for International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and Its Abolition

Top things to do in India for this observance

• Learn more about UNESCO's Slave Route Project. Their project focuses on raising awareness about the slave trade and slavery. It hopes to highlight the cultural interactions that have resulted from global slavery.
• Listen to an episode of UN and Africa. This podcast features constitutional law professor Gloria Browne-Marshall as she discusses the effects of the transatlantic slave trade.
• Explore the Dutch Palace (Mattancherry Palace) in Kochi, Kerala, which showcases historical murals and paintings that depict the history of the Portuguese and Dutch slave trade in India.
• Visit the Murshidabad Palace (Hazarduari Palace) in West Bengal, which contains documents and artifacts demonstrating the history of Indian laborers brought to British colonies as indentured laborers or slaves.