Reflecting on the Past: Slavery

International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and Its Abolition: Reflecting on the Past and Addressing Modern-Day Slavery

Between the 1400s and 1800s, an estimated 12 to 15 million men, women, and children were forcibly transported from Africa to the Americas, enduring unimaginable horrors. The International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and Its Abolition, observed annually on 23rd August, serves as a poignant reminder of the bravery, resilience, and determination of enslaved African people who continuously fought for their freedom. This day is not only a commemoration of their struggle but also an opportunity to acknowledge the contemporary legacies of transatlantic slavery, including the ongoing racism and prejudice faced by Black and Caribbean communities.

UNESCO selected 23rd August to mark this significant day because it was on this date in 1791 that enslaved people on the island of Saint Domingue (now Haiti and the Dominican Republic) initiated an uprising against French colonial rule. This pivotal event played a crucial role in the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade and the eventual establishment of Haiti as the first independent Black republic in 1804.

The history of the transatlantic slave trade is deeply intertwined with stories of resistance and the relentless pursuit of freedom. Figures like Mary Prince, the first Black woman to publish an autobiography in the United Kingdom, stand as testaments to the strength and courage of those who endured and opposed the brutal institution of slavery. Her narrative, published in 1831, had a galvanising effect on the British anti-slavery movement, shedding light on the harsh realities of slavery and fuelling the growing demand for its abolition.

While the formal abolition of slavery was achieved in the British Empire in 1834, the fight against slavery is far from over. Today, modern forms of slavery, including human trafficking and forced labour, continue to plague millions worldwide. Women and girls are disproportionately affected, often trapped in situations of domestic servitude, sexual exploitation and forced marriage.

The Anah Project, among others, is at the forefront of addressing these modern-day atrocities. It provides support and empowerment to women who have been victims of such inhumane practices, working tirelessly to restore their dignity and independence.

As we commemorate this day, it is essential to not only reflect on the past but also to recognise the ongoing struggle against all forms of slavery. The fight for freedom, justice, and human dignity continues, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that no individual, especially women and children, is subjected to such oppression again.

“It is time to abolish human exploitation once and for all, and to recognize the equal and unconditional dignity of each and every individual. Today, let us remember the victims and freedom fighters of the past so that they may inspire future generations to build just societies.’ – Audrey Azoulay