UN chief underscores role of arts in fighting slavery

UNITED NATIONS, March 25 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday highlighted the role of arts in the fight against slavery.

Since the time of the Transatlantic Slave Trade, the arts have been used to confront slavery, to empower enslaved commUNities, and to honor those who made freedom possible, said Guterres, in his remarks for the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade at the commemorative meeting of the UN General Assembly.

Literature, music, poetry and other art forms have been vital tools in commemorating past struggles, highlighting ongoing injustices and celebrating the achievements of people of African descent, he said.

"Today, the artists, the writers, the poets who are committed to the struggle for racial equality and empowerment should know we are with them," he added.

The UN chief called on the international commUNity to stand up against old and new forms of slavery, by raising awareness of the dangers of racism, and by ensuring justice and equal opportUNities for all people of African descent today.

Every year on March 25, the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade offers the opportUNity to honor those who suffered and died at the hands of the slavery system.

This year's theme is "Remember Slavery: Power of the arts for Justice."

According to the UN, more than 15 million men, women and children were deported from Africa through the Transatlantic Slave Trade, which took place from 16th century to 19th century. And one third of them were women.