This weekend, Edinburgh joined cities around the world in marking the UNESCO International Day of Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition. This annual event on 23 August provides an important opportunity to reflect on the historical roots, practices and lasting consequences of slavery.
In honour of the victims of the transatlantic slave trade and colonialism, a special remembrance concert took place at St Cecilia’s Hall on Friday (22 August).
Hosted by the Edinburgh Slavery & Colonialism Legacy Review Implementation Group and supported by Historic Environment Scotland, the performance featured live music, dance and spoken word from diverse local artists.
City of Edinburgh Council Leader, Jane Meagher, said: “This day is not only about remembrance, but also responsibility. By acknowledging Edinburgh’s links to slavery and colonialism, we honour the memory of those who suffered and reaffirm our commitment to building a fairer and more inclusive city for the future.
“I’m grateful to the members of the Slavery and Colonialism Legacy Review Implementation Group who continue to take forward the recommendations that were made to Council.
“These address the Capital’s historical links to slavery and colonialism and how they should be remembered in today’s Edinburgh. By reflecting on the Capital’s colonial links, we can better recognise its enduring legacy in our city and pay tribute to those who fought for its abolition.”
Irene Mosota, Chair of the Edinburgh Slavery and Colonialism Review Implementation Group, said: “Today we pause to reflect on how our shared past continues to shape the present and the future.
“The history of slavery carved deep scars. Its echoes resound in divisions, in the barriers, in the racism we encounter still. To acknowledge this legacy with honesty, is the first step to more just and united society.
“Marking this day is not about reopening old wounds. It opens our eyes. It teaches us to remember. We do so to ensure that the injustices of the past are never repeated, and that our communities, our institutions, and our workplaces stand firmly against discrimination in all its forms.
“Our commitment is clear: to speak when silence would excuse wrong, to challenge what is unjust, to support what is fair, to listen with respect, and to continue learning from one another.
“When racism appears, we will not look away. We will answer it with fairness, with courage, and with solidarity for those most affected.
“Remembrance is not a single day. It is a living promise to uphold dignity, equality, and respect. That is what ‘never again’ means.”
Ranald MacInnes, Head of Outreach and Learning at Historic Environment Scotland (HES), said: “This event is an important moment for reflection and connection. At HES, we are committed to working with communities to expand our knowledge and explore the legacy of empire.
“Understanding our shared past is an important part in addressing inequality and helps to ensure our heritage tells diverse and inclusive stories that belong to everyone.”
International Day for Remembrance of Slave Trade: ‘Time to abolish exploitation once and for all’
Victims of atrocities and freedom fighters across history can inspire future generations to build just societies,the chief of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) said on the occasion of the International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition, commemorated annually on 23 August.
“It is time to abolish human exploitation once and for all and to recognise the equal and unconditional dignity of each and every individual,” Ms. Azoulay said.
The Day is intended to inscribe the tragedy of the slave trade in the memory of all peoples.
‘The fight is not over’
Echoing the goals of UNESCO’s intercultural project The Routes of Enslaved Peoples, it should offer an opportunity for collective consideration of the historic causes, the methods and the consequences of this tragedy and for an analysis of the interactions to which it has given rise between Africa, Europe, the Americas and the Caribbean, said the UN agency, which leads the annual commemoration.
UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed said that while the Day honours the victims of the transatlantic slave trade, “the fight is not over.”
“Modern slavery persists,” she stated. “Let’s confront injustice, past and present and uphold the dignity and rights of every person.”
For its part, the UN works towards these goals, including through its Outreach Programme on the Transatlantic Slave Trade and Slavery, established in 2007.
Uprising led to abolition
On the night of 22 to 23 August 1791, in then Saint Domingue, now Haiti, saw the beginning of the uprising that would play a crucial role in the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade.
Against this background, the International Day is commemorated around the world. It was first celebrated in a number of countries, including in 1998 in Haiti and in 1999 on Gorée Island in Senegal, where millions of enslaved people had been forced onto ships to cross the ocean.
“Today, let us remember the victims and freedom fighters of the past so that they may inspire future generations to build just societies,” UNESCO’s Ms. Azoulay said.