AACC Statement in commemoration of the UN International Day for the Remembrance of Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave

by Global Ministries | published on Mar 30, 2022

The All Africa Conference of Churches joins the world to commemorate the UN International Day for the Remembrance of Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade on March 25. The theme of this year is invigorating: “Stories of Courage: Resistance to Slavery and Unity against Racism”.

In memory of millions of men, women and children brutalized by a slavery which took away the dignity of Africans, the AACC celebrates the bravery and the resilience of those who endured the atrocities committed by the slave traders and owners. We condemn those who profited from slavery as individuals and as societal structures, particularly those who continue to deny their complicity to-date.

We remember their suffering and commend their resilience and resistance; their stories are a source of inspiration and hope for present and future generations. While we celebrate the resilience of the survivors, we are increasingly wondering what happened to those who went into regions where there are no longer any trace of their existence, particularly via the Indian Ocean routes. Where did they vanish to?

The AACC strongly condemns that racist ideology, which is the most long lasting inhuman legacy of the slave trade. We recognize that that people of African descent still suffer from the legacy of slavery even today and that, despite its abolition, slavery continues in modern forms. As we prepare to commemorate, the AACC calls:

On all its members to confront the racist legacy of slavery, to fight against injustices and inequalities of all kind and work towards building inclusive communities.
On all in power to urgently dismantle racist structures and reform racist institutions to build just societies
On all states to recognize the contribution made by people of African descent, to take action to end slavery in the modern era by eradicating human trafficking, forced sexual exploitation, forced marriages and forced labor.

Together for life, peace, justice, and dignity for All.