UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres delivered a powerful address on March 25, 2026, confronting the brutal history of transatlantic slavery and its enduring consequences in modern society. Speaking at a commemorative event in New York, Guterres described the centuries-long system as “a deep betrayal of human dignity” that represented “the worst of humanity.”
The speech detailed the horrific reality of the transatlantic slave trade, noting how millions of Africans were forcibly taken from their families and communities, with approximately one in seven perishing during the treacherous Atlantic crossing due to unimaginable conditions. Those who survived faced generations of brutal exploitation and systematic denial of their basic humanity throughout the Americas.
Guterres emphasized that this was not merely forced labor but “a machinery of mass exploitation and deliberate dehumanization” that formed the foundation of a global economic order built on greed, maintained through violence, and justified through constructed racist ideologies. The UN chief specifically acknowledged the complicity of elites and empires, including his own country, in building wealth through “stolen lives and stolen labor.”
Beyond historical remembrance, the address focused on contemporary responsibilities, highlighting how the legacy of slavery continues to manifest through persistent inequality and racism. Guterres called for concrete actions including dismantling systemic racism, ensuring reparatory justice, and accelerating inclusive development with equal access to education, healthcare, employment, and housing.
The Secretary-General welcomed some nations’ efforts to apologize for their historical roles but stressed that “far bolder actions by many more States are needed.” These include respecting African countries’ ownership of their natural resources and ensuring their equal participation in global financial institutions and the UN Security Council. Guterres also urged all member states to ratify the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination.