International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade
Remembering the transatlantic slave trade — so its horrors are never repeated.
About
The International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition on August 23 marks the anniversary of the beginning of the Haitian and Guadeloupean slave uprising of 1791 — a watershed moment in the long struggle against the transatlantic slave trade. The trade forcibly displaced an estimated 12–15 million Africans to the Americas between the 15th and 19th centuries, causing incalculable human suffering and death, and shaping the demographic, cultural, and economic structures of the Americas, Europe, and Africa in ways that persist today. UNESCO initiated the day to inscribe the tragedy of the slave trade in the collective memory of all peoples, and to draw historical links between the slave trade, colonialism, and contemporary forms of racism and inequality. The day is both an act of remembrance and a call to confront the legacies — structural racism, economic inequality, cultural marginalisation — that the slave trade left behind.
History
August 23 was chosen by UNESCO to commemorate the night of August 22–23, 1791, when enslaved people in Saint-Domingue (now Haiti) rose in rebellion — an uprising that eventually led to Haitian independence in 1804, the first successful revolution by enslaved people in history. UNESCO initiated the day in 1998 as part of its Slave Route Project, which documents and commemorates the history and impact of the slave trade.
Where It's Observed
Cultural Context
US United States
The US grapples continuously with the legacy of its slave-holding history. August 23 falls within the context of ongoing debates about reparations, monuments, school curricula, and structural racism. It is observed in African American communities, universities, and cultural institutions.
KR South Korea
South Korea engages with this day primarily through education and international solidarity. While not directly implicated in the transatlantic slave trade, Korean society uses the day to reflect on histories of forced labour under Japanese colonialism and the universal importance of protecting human dignity.
JP Japan
Japan's engagement with August 23 focuses on universal human rights principles and the importance of historical remembrance. Academic institutions and cultural centres use the day to educate about the global slave trade and its long-term consequences.
How to Participate
- 01Read about the Haitian Revolution and its global significance
- 02Visit a slavery history museum, monument, or online archive
- 03Learn about the ongoing legacy of the slave trade in contemporary racial inequality
- 04Support reparations scholarship, heritage preservation, and descendent community organisations
Frequently asked questions
When is International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade?+
International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade is observed annually on August 23. The date is fixed each year — August 23 — and does not shift based on the lunar calendar or weekday.
What is International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade?+
The International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition on August 23 marks the anniversary of the beginning of the Haitian and Guadeloupean slave uprising of 1791 — a watershed moment in the long struggle against the transatlantic slave trade. The trade forcibly displaced an e…
Is International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade a public holiday?+
International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade is an international observance or awareness day, not a public holiday in most countries. It does not typically result in days off work or school closures, though some countries and organisations hold official events.
How can I participate in International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade?+
Read about the Haitian Revolution and its global significance Visit a slavery history museum, monument, or online archive Learn about the ongoing legacy of the slave trade in contemporary racial inequality These are some of the most accessible ways to engage with the day's purpose.
Which countries observe International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade?+
Global — UNESCO initiative, particularly observed in the Americas, Africa, and Europe.
Mark the date
Download a free printable calendar for 2026 and never miss International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade.
US United States
United Kingdom
Australia
Canada
KR South Korea
JP Japan