Note to Correspondents

Headquarters Display of Emancipation Proclamation to Highlight Activities

 

Marking International Day for Remembering Slavery Victims, 18-25 March

 

To highlight the significance of 25 March, the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade, the United Nations will be hosting a week of activities beginning on Monday, 18 March, with arrival of original copies of the Emancipation Proclamation signed by Abraham Lincoln and the Thirteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution.  The documents will be on display in the Visitors’ Lobby until 25 March.  Admission is free.

The theme of this year’s International Day, “Forever Free:  Celebrating Emancipation”, pays tribute to the emancipation of slaves in nations across the world.  This year is particularly important in light of many key observances in Africa, the Caribbean, Europe and Latin America, as well as the 150^th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation in the United States.

Remembrance activities will include a briefing to non-governmental organizations on 18 March; a student conference on 19 March; a book signing on 21 March; and a cultural and culinary event on 21 March.  They will all be open to accredited press.  (See Note No. 6382 of 13 March for additional information.)

On 22 March, the Secretary-General will attend a concert, “Celebrating Global Emancipation”, and on 25 March, the International Day itself, he will speak at the official General Assembly commemorative event.

Every year the United Nations reminds the world about the history of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade through music, art, films, exhibitions and discussions.  Throughout the commemoration week, the Organization invites civil society, students, writers, artists and the public to discuss and learn about the impact of 400 years of slavery.

How can you help commemorate the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade?  Join us on Twitter, @rememberslavery; Tumblr, http://rememberslavery.tumblr.com; and Facebook, http://facebook.com/rememberslavery.  You don’t have to wait until 25 March to start learning about the history and legacy of slavery.  Take part in the global conversation today!

For further information please contact Timothy La Rose at larose@un.org, or +1 212 963 0984.

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For information media • not an official record