And its Abolition
August 23 will mark International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition, as proclaimed by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly. This day is observed on an annual basis by the international community.
The UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) sought to pay tribute to the tireless struggle of the slaves for their freedom.
The uprising that took place on the island of Santo Domingo, today known as Haiti and the Dominican Republic, during the night of 22 to 23 August 1791, shook the slave system to its core and radically and irreversibly provided the impetus for the process which would eventually lead to the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade.
"I think it is very important that we take time out to reflect on the causes and consequences, including modern forms of slavery, and to encourage solidarity with the peoples that have suffered because of slavery and to celebrate the abolition of slavery.
"I would encourage our schools to link up with UNESCO every August 23 and commemorate this important day by having class awareness activities.
"UNESCO has a program commonly called "Associated Schools Project Network" (ASPnet). It is a global network of more than 9000 educational institutions in 180 countries. I encourage teachers to check out the UNESCO website and check out the program," President of President Hon. Gracita Arrindell said on Monday.