International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade

International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade

International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade seeks to acknowledge the dark, heart-wrenching chapter of human history that the Transatlantic Slave Trade represents. It is a solemn occasion to remember the estimated 15 million men, women, and children who were victims of this brutal system spanning over 400 years. The day also serves to educate about the dangers of racism and prejudice today, highlighting the significant contributions made by those who suffered, often citing that much of today's societal, economic, and cultural landscape has been shaped by them.

Although New Zealand didn't directly participate in the Transatlantic Slave Trade, the observance is essential as it fosters understanding about this historical period and its ongoing impacts on a global scale. The country is an active supporter of the commemoration because it aligns with New Zealand’s commitment to human rights, inclusivity, and its opposition to all forms of racism and prejudice. New Zealand has a history of supporting United Nations resolutions addressing these issues, expressing a dedication to universal human rights.

International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade in New Zealand is observed through various educational and awareness initiatives, public statements, and events across the country that emphasize the country's commitment to human rights. Informative sessions are held in schools, colleges, and community centers to educate Kiwis about the horrors of the past and the need to ensure such atrocities are never repeated. This observance is held annually on March 25th.

Facts about Victims of Slavery & the Transatlantic Slave Trade

• The theme for International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade in 2025 was Honoring Memories, Fostering Resilience, in 2024 it was Creating Global Freedom: Countering Racism with Justice in Societies and Among Nations, and in 2023 Fighting slavery’s legacy of racism through transformative education.
• According to walkfree.org, in 2023, there are about there about 49.6 million people living in modern slavery, most of them children
• According to the Borgen Project, about 68% of enslaved people are trapped in forced labor. Industries like agriculture, textile, chocolate, and mining are most likely to have slave laborers.
• New Zealand is also well known for its role on the global stage, promoting human rights issues, and countering racial discrimination and exploitation. This approach aligns perfectly with the spirit of the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade.
• We should be working harder to weed out racism. Not just from our stadiums, but from our hearts - Jacinda Ardern (Prime Minister of New Zealand, in the context of a speech given in 2019 regarding the Christchurch mosque shootings.)

In the News and Trending in NZ for International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade

Top things to do in NZ for this observance

• 
  Watch a Documentary to learn more about the Transatlantic Slave Trade:
  Africa's Great Civilizations - PBS documentary by Prof. Henry Louis Gates Jr.
  The African Americans: Many Rivers to Cross - Another brilliant PBS documentary by Prof. Henry Louis Gates Jr.
• Read a book to learn more about the Transatlantic Slave Trade:
  The Slave Ship: A Human History - by Marcus Rediker.
  The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equiano - by Olaudah Equiano: A first-hand account of the slave trade.