STATEMENT BY AFRICAN GROUP CHAIR H. E. Anatolio Ndong Mba
PERMENANT REPRESENTATIVE OF EQUATORIAL GUINEA TO THE UN
NEW YORK, 25TH MARCH 2025
President of the General Assembly
Mr. Secretary General
Your Excellencies
Distinguished Delegates,
Today, as we solemnly observe the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade, we are called to reflect upon a profoundly grievous period in our shared history. This day is dedicated to honoring the countless individuals whose lives were irrevocably altered or extinguished by the barbaric transatlantic slave trade.
The African Group unites in empathy with the descendants of those who suffered through the abomination of slavery. We recognize the persistent legacy of anguish, oppression, and inequity that continues to affect communities worldwide.
This commemoration compels us to face the harrowing realities of our history and to ensure that the narratives of the victims persist in our collective memory. It is imperative that we educate succeeding generations regarding the heinous acts of slavery, fostering a culture of tolerance, comprehension, and harmony among all humanity.
As envoys of the African continent, we renew our pledge to eradicate contemporary forms of slavery and trafficking in persons. We urge the global community to intensify its endeavors to eradicate the fundamental causes of these flagrant human rights abuses and to extend support and restitution to the survivors and their progeny.
On this day of remembrance, let us reaffirm our dedication to the tenets of equality, respect, and justice for every individual. In unity, we commit to venerating the memories of the victims of slavery by aspiring to a future devoid of such inhumanities. The legacy of the Transatlantic slave trade and colonialism has bequeathed a profound and enduring imprint of racism, which continues to affect the lives of many descendants of the enslaved.
Despite their significant contributions to the formation of societies and nations, numerous individuals of African heritage remain marginalized, hindered by racial stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination that curtail their advancement in various facets of life. They encounter barriers to equitable access to opportunities, resources, and influence, as the aspirations of liberty remain intangible and the quest for justice endures.
As the United Nations gears up to advance social development globally and provide renewed momentum for implementing the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the forthcoming Second World Summit for Social Development, it is incumbent upon Member States, intergovernmental organizations, and civil society actors to also undertake initiatives that promote equity and impartiality in decision-making. Such efforts are crucial to effecting transformative change that will contribute to the eradication of racism, the advancement of justice, and the realization of freedom for all.
Thank you for listening.
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