International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade

On 25 March the UN remembers the millions of people enslaved through the transatlantic slave trade and calls for action against racism.

  • UK
  • USA
  • Ireland (not marked)
  • Canada (not marked)
  • Australia (not marked)
  • New Zealand (not marked)
  • International
ListingAdded by us from official sources
Last checked19 October 2026
First held2008

About the day

The UN General Assembly set the day in 2007 and it was first observed in 2008. It educates people about the history and legacy of slavery, including the resistance of enslaved Africans, and the date recalls the UK's 1807 Act abolishing the trade.

2026 theme

Justice in Action: Confronting History, Advancing Dignity, Empowering Futures

The 2027 theme has not been announced yet.

Dates for the next three years

YearDateWhereStatus
2027Thursday 25 March 2027UK, USA, InternationalSame date every year
2028Saturday 25 March 2028UK, USA, InternationalSame date every year
2029Sunday 25 March 2029UK, USA, InternationalSame date every year

Where this information comes from

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