Today, March 25, 2026, is the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade. This UN-observed day honors the millions of Africans who were forcibly enslaved and transported to the Americas, and acknowledges the lasting impact of the transatlantic slave trade on modern societies. The day aims to raise awareness about the dangers of racism and prejudice, and promotes collective consideration of the historic causes and consequences of slavery ¹ ² ³.

The transatlantic slave trade, which lasted over 400 years, is considered one of the worst violations of human rights in history, with estimates suggesting that over 15 million men, women, and children were forcibly taken from Africa. The UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, emphasizes that acknowledging the horrors of the transatlantic slave trade is crucial to addressing the past, repairing the present, and building a future of dignity and justice for all ¹ ⁴.