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

Today, on August 23rd is UNESCO's International Day for the Rememberance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition. The day was first celebrated in a number of countries, in particular in Haiti (23 August 1998) and Goree in Senegal (23 August 1999). Cultural events and debates too were organized. The day is intended to inscribe the tragedy of the slave trade in the memory of all peoples.

Each year the UN invites people all over the world, including educators, students and artists, to organize events that center on the theme of this day. Theatre companies, cultural organizations, musicians and artists take part on this day by expressing their resistance against slavery through performances that involve music, dance and drama.

Educators promote the day by informing people about the historical events associated with slave trade, the consequences of slave trade, and to promote tolerance and human rights.