Martin Kobler, Head of MONUSCO, calls for the remembrance of the victims of slavery in order to draw inspiration from them

Kinshasa, 23 August 2015 – “The observance of the International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition is an opportunity for all of us to reflect on the tragedy of slavery and slave trade. There can never be any justification for such barbarism. Let us pay homage to the dignity and resilience of the victims of slavery and the slave trade”, said Martin Kobler, Special Representative of the UN Secretary General in the DRC, on the occasion of the International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition.

Slave trade has shaped the face of many modern societies, irreversibly transforming the destiny of nations as well as their economies, cultures, and identities. This year’s International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition coincides with the launch of the International Decade for People of African Descent (2015-2024) . The commemoration also offers an occasion to reflect on historical facts and to promote tolerance and human rights by mobilizing international solidarity against modern day slave trade, including trafficking in human beings.

“This International Day goes beyond the mere repercussions of the slave trade, in that it invites us to also appreciate the richness of the cultural expressions that people of African descent have produced in the face of adversity through arts, culture, political thinking and knowledge-building. It is an invitation to draw inspiration from the human capacity to bring about positive change in fighting injustice embodied by serious violations of human rights and curtailment of freedoms”, added Martin Kobler, Head of MONUSCO.

Notes to editors:
- As an answer to the growing interest to and expectations generated by the launching in 1994 of The Slave Route Project, UNESCO’s General Conference, by its Resolution29/C40 , proclaimed the 23rd August International Day for the Remembrance of Slave Trade and of its Abolition.

- This date symbolizes the fact that slaves were the principal actors of their freedom. Effectively, the insurrection that occurred in Saint Domingue (today Republic of Haiti and Dominican Republic), in the night of 22 to 23 August 1791, irremediably affected slavery system. This revolt was the start point to the transatlantic slave trade abolition process. Besides, this date pays tribute to the historic resistance that leaded to the creation of the first black independent State, the Republic of Haiti.