By: Dionisio Babo Soares*
As the world observes the abolition of slavery and the slave trade at the United Nations on March 25, 2026, a fundamental question arises: what can we truly learn from history?
This commemoration goes beyond just reflecting on history. Although Africa is physically far from Timor-Leste, separated by oceans, its influence is still felt within our nation. Historically, many individuals from former Portuguese colonies in Africa were relocated to Timor-Leste, and today, their descendants can still be found throughout the country, having contributed to Timor-Leste’s historical development. Therefore, contemplating the abolition of slavery and the slave trade allows us to evaluate the present and see how past events continue to shape our future.
The lessons of slavery go beyond history books; they are embedded in the structures, inequalities, and moral decisions that still shape our societies.
The abolition of slavery represented a significant shift in global consciousness and standards. It demonstrated the shared recognition that viewing people as commodities—particularly through artificial racial hierarchies—breaks human dignity. Nevertheless, abolition was only a beginning, not the ultimate objective. It signaled the start of an ongoing, unfinished quest for justice.
A key lesson is that injustice can become normalized when it is part of the system. Slavery lasted for centuries not because it was hidden, but because it was legal, justified, and financially supported. Entire institutions were created to uphold it. This shows us that legality does not equal legitimacy, and unjust systems can be visible if they are not actively opposed.
A second lesson highlights the lasting influence of ideas. The ideologies that supported slavery—such as racial hierarchy and dehumanization—persisted beyond abolition, adapting over time. Today, they reemerge as racism, xenophobia, religious intolerance, and nationalism. The continued existence of these concepts shows that overcoming injustice needs more than just legal reforms; it demands a fundamental shift in stories, beliefs, and perspectives.
A third lesson is recognizing the resilience of those who opposed oppression. The abolition of slavery wasn’t just given; it was achieved through the efforts of enslaved people, abolitionists, and social movements that questioned the moral standards of their time. This demonstrates that progress doesn’t happen automatically or without effort; it depends on collective courage, perseverance, and continuous dedication.
The transatlantic slave trade was not an isolated incident; it was a persistent effort ingrained in legal, economic, and political systems that justified the dehumanization of millions of Africans and their descendants.
In many societies, ongoing historical injustices are reflected in disparities in education, healthcare, land, and economic prospects. These structural inequalities, originating from slavery and colonialism, still appear in patterns of poverty, marginalization, and systemic discrimination. The past is not merely history; it continues to influence institutions, attitudes, and people’s experiences.
This ongoing issue is evident in the disturbing rise of racism and intolerance today. Islamophobia, antisemitism, anti-Christian and anti-Hindu sentiments, along with the marginalization of ethnic, indigenous, and minority groups, show that the ideologies supporting slavery have not been completely eliminated. Instead, they have evolved and reappeared in new forms within political discussions and online environments.
These phenomena are interconnected. They form a larger pattern where narratives contradict the principles of human dignity, discrimination becomes institutionalized, and accountability is often absent. When public discussions focus on identities, law enforcement practices unfairly impact specific groups, and silence replaces action, the effects can be severe—and sometimes deadly.
The international community has long acknowledged both the seriousness of these issues and the importance of resolving them. Key instruments like the United Nations Charter affirm that all States are obliged to promote universal respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. The International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination sets out explicit legal duties to eliminate racial discrimination and combat racial hatred incitement. Additionally, the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action offer a comprehensive framework for tackling the lasting effects of slavery and colonialism.
However, the continued existence of inequality and discrimination prompts an unavoidable question: why does the gap between what is promised and what is actually achieved persist?
Part of the challenge is honestly confronting history. In many societies, the legacy of slavery is downplayed or insufficiently covered in education and public discussions. Without a thorough and inclusive understanding of the past, it’s hard to see its ongoing effects and to foster real change.
Another aspect involves the complexity of structural inequality. Tackling deeply rooted disparities demands ongoing political dedication, resources, and long-term efforts. It also necessitates acknowledging that formal equality alone is inadequate when historical injustice has resulted in unequal starting points.
Moving ahead calls for a transition from mere remembrance to active change—driven by the lessons we’ve gained.
First, we need to renew our commitment to truth and historical memory. Educational systems must thoroughly and accurately represent the history of slavery, the slave trade, and their enduring effects. This is not about blaming past generations but about promoting understanding, awareness, and responsibility.
Second, public policy must prioritize addressing structural inequalities. Implementing inclusive development strategies, targeted investments, and reparative measures where appropriate are vital in overcoming historical disadvantages and fostering more equitable societies.
Third, legal frameworks need to be reinforced and properly enforced. Laws against racial discrimination and hate speech should be applied consistently, with violations met by effective accountability. Justice should not just be a theoretical ideal; it must be apparent in real actions.
Fourth, it is essential to enhance protections for the most vulnerable groups, including migrants, refugees, and minority communities. Practices and policies that promote discrimination should be scrutinized and, if needed, comprehensively reformed.
Fifth, the digital space must be recognized as a crucial front. Online platforms have become powerful amplifiers of both information and disinformation. Ensuring that they do not serve as a vehicle for spreading hate and dehumanization is an urgent and shared responsibility.
At this point, the lessons from abolition prompt us to look inward, fostering a calm and careful reflection on our current situation in Timor-Leste.
While Timor-Leste’s history is different from societies affected by the slave trade, it is no stranger to systemic injustice, occupation, and the fight to regain dignity through self-determination. Its post-independence path provides valuable lessons on how nations can address difficult pasts while building a more just future.
The work of the Commission for Reception, Truth, and Reconciliation (CAVR) is a notably important example. By focusing on uncovering the truth, facilitating community reconciliation, and prioritizing victims, Timor-Leste has shown that recognizing past abuses is vital for establishing lasting peace. The pursuit of truth was not merely theoretical; it aimed to restore dignity, foster mutual understanding, and prevent future conflicts.
This experience emphasizes a core lesson, relevant to the legacy of slavery: justice should be both restorative and forward-looking. The Timorese approach highlights the importance of balancing accountability with reconciliation. It acknowledges that not all harm can be fully redressed through punishment alone, but it must still be recognized, recorded, and internalized as a shared learning opportunity.
Institutional building has played a crucial role in Timor-Leste’s efforts to address its past. Developing democratic institutions, strengthening the rule of law, and gradually consolidating governance structures demonstrate a commitment to preventing the conditions that led to past abuses. This emphasis on institutions highlights an important parallel: tackling the legacies of slavery also necessitates creating systems that actively prevent discrimination, safeguard rights, and foster inclusion.
Moreover, Timor-Leste’s experience emphasizes the significance of national ownership. Although international support played a key role, the leadership and legitimacy of the reconciliation and reform efforts were grounded in local context, culture, and participation. This shows that global frameworks need to be tailored to fit national circumstances to be truly effective.
For Timor-Leste, the worldwide observance of slavery abolition underscores several essential priorities: maintaining investments in inclusive education that confronts historical injustices; enhancing institutions that protect equality and human rights; fostering social cohesion via dialogue; and guaranteeing that development efforts do not overlook any community.
It is equally important to recognize that reconciliation is an ongoing process, not a one-time event. The principles embodied in the CAVR—truth, accountability, community participation, and healing—continue to be relevant, both at the national level and in the broader global discussion on how societies confront historical injustices.
The overall lesson is clear: addressing the legacy of slavery or other systemic injustices demands honesty, courage, and ongoing dedication.
The abolition of slavery stands as one of humanity’s greatest moral achievements—demonstrating the strength of collective action and moral advancement. Honoring slavery victims involves more than just remembering; it demands resolve: confronting ongoing injustice, educating future generations with honesty and clarity, and constructing societies rooted in equality, dignity, and a shared sense of humanity.
Only then can the legacy of abolition be fully realized — not as a closed chapter in history, but as a living commitment to justice.
* This article is a personal reflection and does not bind the institutions the author represents.
