The International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition is observed on August 23 every 12 months. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) designated the day, and it was first commemorated on August 23, 1998, in Haiti and on Gorée Island in Senegal on August 23, 1999.

On this present day, UNESCO raises awareness of the horrors of the slave trade and honors those that suffered and were dehumanized by the practice of slavery.

“It’s time to abolish human exploitation once and for all, and to acknowledge the equal and unconditional dignity of each individual, said UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay.

The date of August 23 could be very significant since it marks the 1791 rebellion on the island of Saint Domingue, which today is the Republic of Haiti that may play an important role within the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade.

In keeping with UNESCO, International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition “is meant to inscribe the tragedy of the slave trade within the memory of all peoples.”

Annually the Director-General of UNESCO invites the Ministers of Culture of all its Member States to prepare countrywide events with a specific give attention to youth, educators and artists.

America, which is a UNESCO member country, commemorates slavery remembrance day on August twentieth. That date in 1619 is when the primary 20 enslaved Africans were forcibly dropped at America’s shores.

“Today is a day to reflect on the terrible toll of slavery, and on our nation’s profound ability to heal and emerge stronger,” President Biden said. Despite the horrors they faced, these men and girls and their descendants have made countless contributions to the constructing of this nation and the continual effort to understand the American ideal,” the president added.

“Allow us to remember the victims and freedom fighters of the past in order that they might encourage future generations to construct just societies,” said Director-General Azoulay in a press release on UNESCO’s website.