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

23 August marks the tenth International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition. This day remembers the millions of men, women and children who were subjected to this terrible denial of human rights, and those who fought tirelessly to end that tyranny. It also calls for renewed efforts to end all forms of modern oppression in order to build more tolerant and just societies for present and future generations.

Events are planned throughout the UK to mark this important day. Activities include lectures, exhibits, publication releases, performances and much more. Review the links below to find out more about activities in your area.

• Wilberforce House, Hull
• International Slavery Museum , Liverpool
• National Maritime Museum, Greenwich
• Museum in Docklands, London

The transatlantic slave trade is a key theme for UNESCO Associated Schools. Breaking the Silence, a web based resource developed as part of the Transatlantic Slave Trade Education Project provide teachers with a variety of resources and ideas about how to teach about slavery holistically and accurately. Among UNESCO Associated Schools in the UK, Liverpool Schools Parliament are running a two-year project titled ‘Recalling the Past, Reforming the Future’, aiming to explore the legacy of the Transatlantic Slave Trade through a range of activities including video conferencing with students in Richmond, Virginia, developing a play about Olaudah Equiano and a Model United Nations General Assembly to discuss contemporary slavery.

The transatlantic slave trade is the subject of a touring exhibition organized by the International Slavery Museum in Liverpool and UNESCO’s “Slave Route” project. It is currently being show at UNESCO’s Paris headquarters from 22 July to 28 August.

"While we should never forget the atrocities committed in the past, we should be equally vigilant in seeking to abolish the contemporary forms of slavery that affect millions of men, women and children around the world. Despite the arsenal of international instruments created to combat the exploitation of human beings, as well as the growing awareness of the forced labour and the sale and prostitution of children, the disturbing truth is that such flagrant violations of human rights continue. They are a scourge undermining the social fabric of many societies, which UNESCO is working with determination to end."

Mr Koïchiro Matsuura, Director-General of UNESCO To read the full message from Mr Matsuura on the occassion of the 2008 International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition, click here.