Addressing a commemorative assembly to mark the International Day of Remembrance of The Victims of Slavery and The Transatlantic Slave Trade, Meeting President Dennis Francis highlighted the harrowing journeys endured by tens of millions through the so-called Center Passage, emphasizing the stripping of their identities and dignity.
“It’s inconceivable that the enslaved have been cruelly considered mere commodities on the market and exploitation,” he said.
“Along with their kids born into slavery, perpetuating the vicious cycle of bondage and struggling – enduring untold horrors by the hands of their oppressors,” he added.
Pursuance of justice
Meeting President Francis paid tribute to revolutionary figures akin to Samuel Sharpe, Sojourner Reality, and Gaspar Yanga, who bravely fought for freedom, paving the best way for abolitionist actions and galvanizing generations to problem injustice.
He emphasised the continuing influence of slavery’s legacy, calling for accountability and reparations as important elements of pursuing true justice, stressing the pressing want to deal with systemic racism and discrimination confronted by folks of African descent, each traditionally and in modern society.
“It’s incumbent upon States, establishments, and people to acknowledge their roles in perpetuating these legacies of injustice – and to take significant steps in the direction of reparatory justice,” he stated.
UN Picture/Eskinder Debebe
Dennis Francis, President of the Common Meeting, addresses a commemorative assembly to mark the Worldwide Day of Remembrance of The Victims of Slavery and The Transatlantic Slave Commerce
Echoes proceed immediately
Additionally on Monday, Courtenay Rattray, Chef de Cupboard of the Secretary-Common, delivered a message on behalf of the UN chief, additional amplifying the decision for remembrance and justice.
Studying the Secretary-Common’s message, Mr. Rattray echoed the emotions of honouring the tens of millions who suffered underneath the brutal regime of slavery.
“For 4 hundred years, enslaved Africans fought for his or her freedom, whereas colonial powers and others dedicated horrific crimes in opposition to them,” he stated.
“A lot of those that organized and ran the Transatlantic slave commerce amassed big fortunes,” he continued, noting that the enslaved have been disadvantaged of schooling, healthcare, alternative, and prosperity.
“This laid the foundations for a violent discrimination system based mostly on white supremacy that also echoes immediately.”
Mr. Rattray underscored the necessity for reparatory justice frameworks to assist overcome generations of exclusion and discrimination, urging united effort in the direction of a world free from racism, discrimination, bigotry and hate.
“Collectively, as we bear in mind the victims of the Transatlantic Slave Commerce, let’s unite for human rights, dignity and alternative for all.”
