Washington DC, 25 March 2022 (TDI): The Permanent Council of the Organization of American States (OAS) commemorated victims of slavery in the Americas.
The regional organization observed the international day of remembrance of the victims of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade on Friday.
The theme for the international day was “Stories of courage in the Americas: Resistance to slavery and unity against racism.” The meeting of the Permanent Council to commemorate the international day was held virtually.
https://twitter.com/OAS_official/status/1507356642915995650
In 2016, the Organization of American States approved the Plan of Action for the Decade of Afro-Descendants in the Americas. It recognized that people of African descent in the Americas are descendants of millions of Africans who were forcibly enslaved and transported as part of the inhumane transatlantic slave trade between the 15th and 19th centuries.
This year, the OAS has highlighted stories of notable people of African descent in the Americas in the V Inter-American Week for the People of African Descent in the Americas.
25 March: International Day of Remembrance of Victims of Slavery
The international day to commemorate the victims of slavery and slave trade was designated by the United Nations in 2007. The day is observed to honor and remember those who suffered and died due to the transatlantic slave trade.
The Transatlantic Slave Trade went on for over 400 years. According to an estimate, the number of victims of the slave trade is over 15 million.
Previously, the day has been observed under different themes. The theme of the first commemoration in 2008 was “Breaking the Silence, Lest We Forget”.
Moreover, International Day also aims at raising awareness about the dangers of racism and prejudice today.
Organization of American States
The Organization of American States was founded in 1948. The purpose of the international regional organization was to develop solidarity and cooperation among the states of the Americas.
It has also focused on the development of democracy, security, human rights, and sustainable development. It currently has 34 members.
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