2018: "Remember Slavery: Triumphs and Struggles for Freedom and Equality"

Graciela Dixon (at podium and on screen), former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Panama, addresses the commemorative meeting of the General Assembly to mark the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade (25 March). At the dais (left to right): Secretary-General António Guterres; Amrith Rohan Perera; Vice President of the seventy-second session of the General Assembly, and Movses Abelian; Assistant Secretary-General for General Assembly and Conference Management.

2018 Remembrance Programme

"Remember Slavery: Triumphs and Struggles for Freedom and Equality"

Secretary-General Video Message / Calendar of events | United Nations activities around the world

The Secretary-General Video Message

25 March 2018

The epically shameful transatlantic slave trade was the largest forced and legally sanctioned migration in human history

More than 15 million men, women and children from Africa were enslaved.

This Day of Remembrance was established to acknowledge a brutal chapter in human history, and to raise awareness of the dangers of racism and prejudice today.

As we mark the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights this year, let us honour those who perished or suffered under slavery.

Let us celebrate the gains of people of African descent.

And let us press, every day and everywhere, to defend the dignity of every human being.

Calendar of events

Download the programme brochure

Thursday, 8 February 2018

Screening of Familiar Faces/Unexpected Places: A Global African Diaspora

6:30 p.m. to 8:00 – Conference Room 4, United Nations New York.

Produced by Cultural Anthropologist and Executive Director of Afrodiaspora, Inc. Sheila Walker, this film highlights the countless Afro-communities found in unexpected parts of the world, such as Turkey and India, and shows how African descendants maintained elements of their cultural identity. Held in partnership with the International Decade for People of African Descent.

5 - 28 March 2018

Exhibit: “Remember Slavery: Say it Loud”

Visitors Lobby, United Nations, NY

The exhibit features 11 male and 11 female architects of African descent, who through their perseverance and creative talent, have gained recognition in this elite profession. Their unique perspective has enabled them to have a voice and an impact on the way public spaces are presented and utilized.

Monday, 26 March 2018

International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade (Observed)

10:00 a.m. - General Assembly Commemorative Meeting, GA Hall, United Nations, NY

6:00 p.m. - Culinary & Cultural Experience, Visitors Lobby, United Nations, NY

Link to Keynote Address delivered by Justice (Retired) Graciela J. Dixon C.

Thursday, 29 March 2018

3:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. - NGO Briefing, Conference Room 2, United Nations, NY

The briefing will highlight the personal stories and gains of people of African descent in the movement towards freedom and equality. Speakers include: H.E. Mr. Courtenay Rattray, Permanent Representative of Jamaica to the United Nations; Ms. Charo Mina-Rojas, National Coordinator of Advocacy and Outreach for the Black Communities’ Process; Ms. Danei Cesario, Associate Architect, Array Architects; Ms. Jadayah Spencer, Executive Director of the International Youth Leadership Institute. The event was moderated by Mr. Mamadou Niang, Managing Director, NextMedia.tv.

Friday, 27 April 2018

9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. - Global Student Videoconference, Conference Room 3, United Nations, NY

The briefing will link students in New York, the Caribbean and Africa via video conference under the theme “Remember Slavery: Triumphs and Struggles for Freedom and Equality”.

Link to Tenth Annual Global Student Videoconference on Slavery