‘Racist lie’ must end, UN chief warns on Remembrance Day for enslaved people
PR Newswire
NEW YORK, 26 March 2021
NEW YORK, 26 March 2021 / PRN Africa / — “We must end the legacy of this racist lie”, Secretary-General António Guterres said at a commemorative meeting of the General Assembly that honoured the memory of the millions of people of African descent who suffered under the brutal system of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade.
While recalling the resilience of those who endured the “brutal yoke” of slavery, he recognized the trade as creating and sustaining “a global system of exploitation that existed for more than 400 years”.
The UN chief underscored the need to address the “pernicious and persistent consequences” of slavery and called for renewed commitments to “a world where all can live in peace with dignity and opportunity”.
Picking up the pieces
Mr. Guterres also acknowledged the “immense contributions” that the enslaved have brought to culture, education and economies.
“We honour the memory of the victims of the transatlantic slave trade by educating about its history and acknowledging its impact on our world today”, he said, urging everyone to “tackle racism, injustice and inequality” and build inclusive communities and economies.
Inherited trauma
General Assembly President Volkan Bozkır painted a picture of Against enslaved people reduced to chattels and stripped of their freedom, dignity, and identity, summing up that “violence replaced autonomy”.
“Not only do the descendants of the 15 million victims of the transatlantic slave trade have to grapple with the pain and grief of their ancestors, but every day they navigate a world built by them, but not for them”, he said.
And as they suffered, working stolen lands and raising the children of their abusers, free men and women benefited from the Industrial Revolution enabled by their slave labour.
The Assembly president attested to the complicity of those who profited, but did not stand up for the oppressed.
SOURCE UN News Centre