States Must Combat Lingering Racism, Human Rights Abuses, Deputy Secretary-General Tells General Assembly Meeting to Commemorate Victims of Slavery

Following are Deputy Secretary-General Jan Eliasson’s remarks at the General Assembly’s commemorative meeting to observe the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade, in New York today:

Each year, the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade provides an opportunity to remember and reflect on one of the most appalling injustices in human history.  On this day, we honour the memory of millions of Africans forcibly removed from their families, villages and homelands over hundreds of years.

This important day also directs a spotlight on racism, sadly still prevailing in today’s societies.  It is seen in untold acts of violence, discrimination, bias and prejudice all over the world and it is shamefully represented by the millions of people still living in situations of servitude and slavery worldwide.

Forced labour, bonded labour, child labour, human trafficking and forced prostitution are serious human rights violations rooted in a glaring lack of respect and regard for fellow human beings.  They are an affront to the UN Charter and its reaffirmation in “the dignity and worth of human person”.

Just as we reject the vile human commerce embodied by the transatlantic slave trade, so must we reject and pursue the struggle against all forms of contemporary slavery.  Our battle cry must be “a life of dignity for all — enough is enough”.

This year, we celebrate the rich culture and heritage of the African diaspora.  We remember their roots, their traditions and their impact on the life of societies involved in the slave trade.  Africans brought to the New World the great diversity of their homeland cultures.  As they forged new lives with one another, as well as with other population groups, the rich varieties of diaspora culture took root and developed.

In this process, persistent efforts to strip Africans of their identity and culture failed.  Instead, their vibrant and strong heritage endured and spread.  We see Africa’s legacy in the bold art, vibrant music and inspiring literature that infuse modern culture all over the world and we very much see it in the contributions that the people of the African diaspora have made — and continue to make — in medicine and science, as well as in government and leadership in society as a whole.

The trials and triumphs of the African diaspora also remind us of enduring qualities of human character — fortitude, courage, strength, tolerance, resilience, passion and compassion.  Remember, nothing happens in life without passion and the wrong things happen without compassion.  Passion and compassion are what we need to be reminded of in our constant struggles to improve conditions around the world.

Last year, the UN launched the International Decade of People of African Descent.  Much of the discrimination and marginalization of today can be traced to the slave trade.  That is why the United Nations Remember Slavery Programme is reaching out to young and old alike to create awareness, promote understanding and change attitudes.

On this day, I ask all Member States, and civil society, to commit to make sure that all people of African descent enjoy equal access to education, employment, health care, development and other vital opportunities.  It is long overdue for us to break the chains that have denied so many equality and the protection of their human rights under the law and in practice.

Outside this building, in the Visitors Plaza, there is an iconic permanent memorial to honour the victims of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade.  I want to thank those who made it happen.  I particularly commend Ambassador [Courtenay] Rattray of Jamaica for his untiring leadership and efforts.

The Ark of Return, as it is called, is a poignant reminder of the indignity and suffering of millions of men, women and children, victims of slavery.  I urge everyone here today, and every visitor to the United Nations, and everyone who watches this webcast, to stand in front of it and reflect on the capacity for both inhumanity and humanity that resides within us.

I ask that we repeat to ourselves — and to others — the words from the Universal Declaration of Human Rights that we all pledged to defend in 1948 and which is equally valid, important and relevant today and we need to make those words real:  “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.  Everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.  No one shall be held in slavery or servitude…”

Let us take these words, and all other the commitments inherent in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the UN Charter, as our guide for now and tomorrow so that we may bequeath a more fair and just world to future generations.

Thank you.