Statement by Ms. Navi Pillay, High Commissioner for Human Rights to the Commemoration of International day of Remembrance of the victims of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade

Geneva, 22 March 2012

Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,
Ladies and gentlemen

I am honoured to participate in this important commemoration and warmly thank the African Group and the World Against Racism Network for inviting me to participate in this event.

Slavery and the transatlantic slave trade were appalling tragedies in the history of humanity not only because of their abhorrent barbarism but also in terms of their magnitude, organized nature and especially their negation of the essence of the victims.  Slavery is ultimately the worst form of human rights deprivation.  Many Western courts at the time, had ruled that trade in humans was legitimate.  It was the sustained moral voice of Civil Society that contributed to the end of the slave trade. 

Remembering these dark chapters in history, unequivocally condemning them, as well as teaching about these facts and historical truth, nature and consequences of racism and racial discrimination, with a view to achieving a comprehensive and objective understanding  of the tragedies of the past, all of these are essential elements for creation of societies based on justice, equality and solidarity.

By honouring the memory of slavery’s and the transatlantic slave trade victims, we must also pay special attention to those who still suffer today, whether due to the continuing consequences of those past tragedies or new forms of slavery.  

Ladies and gentlemen,

The suffering of victims of slavery and transatlantic slave trade obliges us to pay special attention to new and contemporary manifestations of slavery-like practices, but also to racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance.  We all need to be aware that contemporary forms and manifestations of racism and xenophobia are striving to regain political, moral and even legal recognition in many ways, including through the platforms of some political parties and organizations and the dissemination through modern communication technologies of ideas based on the notion of racial superiority.

Despite the considerable efforts of Governments, civil society organizations and the international community, millions of human beings are still victims of slavery.  Governments bear the primary responsibility for eradicating contemporary forms of slavery but the business sector has an integral role to play.

On this International Day, I appeal to all Governments, business enterprises or public entities and NGOs to demonstrate their commitment to this issue by making a financial contribution to the UN Voluntary Fund on Contemporary Forms of Slavery, and working closely as partners with us to end slavery and slavery-like practices.

Thank you!