A Call for Universal Abolition: Marking the International Day for Remembrance of the Slave Trade
New York, 23 August 2025 – As the world observes the International Day for Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition, a powerful message resonates from the United Nations: it is “Time to abolish exploitation once and for all.” This solemn day serves as a vital opportunity to reflect on the horrific legacy of the transatlantic slave trade and its enduring impact, while also renewing a collective commitment to eradicating all contemporary forms of exploitation and modern slavery.
The United Nations has designated this day, observed annually on August 23rd, to honor the millions of Africans who suffered and died during the forced transportation and enslavement across the Atlantic. It is a moment to acknowledge the immense human cost, the brutal suppression of freedom, and the systemic injustices that fueled this inhumane practice for centuries. Beyond historical remembrance, the day carries a critical contemporary relevance, highlighting the persistent presence of exploitation in various insidious forms that plague societies worldwide.
The call to “abolish exploitation once and for all” is a testament to the understanding that the spirit of slavery, though formally abolished, sadly persists in new guises. Modern slavery encompasses a range of practices, including human trafficking, forced labor, debt bondage, sexual exploitation, and forced marriage. These contemporary forms of enslavement trap millions of individuals, stripping them of their dignity, autonomy, and fundamental human rights. The United Nations emphasizes that while historical narratives are crucial for understanding our past, our present efforts must be decisively focused on dismantling these ongoing systems of oppression.
This year’s observance underscores the multifaceted nature of exploitation. It recognizes that vulnerable populations, including women, children, migrants, and marginalized communities, remain disproportionately susceptible to falling victim to these abhorrent practices. Addressing the root causes, such as poverty, inequality, conflict, and discrimination, is therefore paramount to achieving lasting change. The UN stresses that a holistic approach, involving governments, civil society, the private sector, and individuals, is essential to effectively combat and eradicate all forms of exploitation.
The message from the United Nations serves as a stark reminder that remembrance without action is insufficient. It is a profound call to translate historical lessons into tangible progress. This involves strengthening legal frameworks, ensuring robust enforcement mechanisms, providing comprehensive support and rehabilitation for survivors, and fostering education and awareness campaigns to challenge the attitudes and practices that enable exploitation to thrive.
On this International Day for Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition, the global community is urged to recommit to building a world free from all forms of exploitation. By learning from the painful lessons of the past and actively engaging in contemporary efforts to protect and empower the most vulnerable, we can collectively strive to realize a future where freedom and dignity are universally upheld. The time is indeed now to ensure that exploitation, in all its forms, is abolished, decisively and forever.
International Day for Remembrance of Slave Trade: ‘Time to abolish exploitation once and for all’
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