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Remembering slavery
The UN urges to celebrate diversity on the day for the rememberance of the slave trade
di Staff
The United Nations today urged people all over the world to keep fighting to preserve cultural diversity. Marking the day dedicated to remembering the tragedy of the slave trade, the head of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) highlighted that the challenge of “living together” in our multicultural societies implies recognition of each person’s history and memory, and the sharing of a common heritage to transcend past tragedies.
“In this International Year for the Rapprochement of Cultures, remembrance of the slave trade and slavery, one of the worst tragedies in the history of humanity, prompts us to reflect on possible ways of alleviating and overcoming such painful memories,” Irina Bokova, the Director-General of the UNESCO, said in a message to mark the International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition.
Since it was established in 1998, the International Day has been used as an opportunity to pay tribute to the struggle led by the slaves themselves to recover their dignity and freedom. An uprising on the island of Santo Domingo on the night of 22-23 August 1791 led to Haiti’s independence – the first victory of slaves over their oppressors.
This revolution had worldwide repercussions and a considerable impact on liberation struggles in the Latin American and Caribbean countries, some of which are celebrating the bicentenary of their independence this year.
“I invite all UNESCO’s partners, including national authorities, international and non-governmental organizations and civil society, to provide opportunities for exchange and reflection that place emphasis on the beneficial effects of cultural diversity, recognizing the importance of the continuous transfers and exchanges among cultures and the links established since time immemorial,” said Ms. Bokova.
In 1994, UNESCO launched the Slave Route Project, which has given the organization significant experience and expertise to contribute to the critical reflection on ways of securing reconciliation and rapprochement among peoples through the shared legacy of the tragedy of slavery.
