Statement by the President of the Human Rights Council, Joachim Ruecker at the African Union Ceremony in commemoration of the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade

24 March 2015 at 13.10 in Room XVII

Excellencies,
Distinguished Delegates,
Ladies and gentlemen,

On behalf of the President of the Human Rights Council it is an honour to participate in this important commemoration. The President would have loved to be here but is currently honouring other commitments. He extends his gratitude to the African Union and the World Against Racism Network for its invitation and organization of this event.

The Transatlantic slave trade is considered to be the largest forced displacement of people in history. Its broad scope and brutality, the inflicted suffering on millions of men, women and children that endures until today, is almost incomprehensible.

This day, March 25th of each year, is dedicated to honouring the individuals who fought so passionately against this evil. It serves as an inspiration for all of us, urging us to remember, recount their story and learn from it. Preserving the memory of these dark chapters in our history, expressing our common profound condemnation of them, as well as teaching the truth about them are essential elements for creating societies based on justice, equality and solidarity.

This day is also a day devoted to reflecting on the causes, consequences and lessons of this abhorrent practice, in an effort to sensitize the public to the dangers of racism, racial discrimination and related prejudice.

Yet, slavery did not end with abolition in the 19th century. The practice still continues today in one form or another in many parts of the world.

Ladies and gentlemen,

It is outrageous that we are still witnessing appalling crimes such as new and contemporary manifestations of slavery and slavery-like practices, as well as racial discrimination and prejudice around the world today.

Here at our Council, we have numerous resolutions and mechanisms aiming to combat these scourges, from the Working Group on People of African Descent, to two Special Procedures mandates on Contemporary Forms of Slavery (Ms. Urmila Bhoola) and on Contemporary Forms of Racism (Mr. Mutuma Ruteere), to name a few.

However, despite our considerable common efforts and the individual efforts of States within their borders, despite the advocacy of civil society organizations and the international community at large, millions of human beings are still victims of slavery.

We, States, bear the primary responsibility for eradicating contemporary forms of slavery and must remain vigilant to counter these scourges.

By way of honouring the memory of victims of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade, I, thus, appeal to all of you here to work towards ensuring that no human being is ever again treated as a commodity. Let’s finally end slavery and slavery-like practices once and for all.

Thank you.