Bukola Afeni
The Africa Civil Society Reference Group Inc (ACSRG) has called for justice and reparations for people of African descent as the world marked the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade on March 25, 2026.
In a statement commemorating the day, the group paid tribute to millions of African men, women, and children who were forcibly taken and enslaved during the transatlantic slave trade, describing it as “one of history’s gravest crimes” with enduring consequences.
“The legacy of dispossession, trauma, and inequality continues to affect communities today,” ACSRG said, while also acknowledging the resilience and global contributions of African peoples and the diaspora.
The organisation welcomed a United Nations resolution recognising the transatlantic slave trade as a grave historical crime and supporting calls for reparations.
It urged governments and international partners to move beyond recognition and implement “concrete, timely measures” to address historical injustices.
ACSRG outlined key areas for action, including justice and reparations, education, and stronger cooperation among African states and diaspora communities.
It also stressed the need to address ongoing issues linked to slavery’s legacy, such as racism, economic exclusion, gender-based violence, and human trafficking.
“We urge governments, regional bodies, international partners, civil society, and the media to act urgently,” the group said, calling for strengthened legal protections, expanded survivor support services, and increased investment in education and social protection.
The group called for action to end modern forms of slavery and promote human dignity.
“This day is both remembrance and resolve. ACSRG stands with survivors, activists, and communities committed to ending modern slavery and ensuring dignity for all,” the statement added.
