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The site of Bois-Caïman, where a crucial ceremony took place in August 1791 that ignited Haiti’s revolution against slavery, has officially been inscribed into the UNESCO register of sites related to the history and memory of slavery and the slave trade. This designation was announced on October 9, 2024, marking a significant moment in both Haitian and global history.
This recognition was achieved through the combined efforts of several Haitian and international bodies, including the Permanent Delegation of Haiti to UNESCO, the Haitian National Commission for Cooperation with UNESCO, the UNESCO Chair in History and Heritage of the State University of Haiti, and the Haitian Scientific Committee of the Slave Route. These institutions worked together to submit the nomination in January 2024 as part of broader efforts to highlight Haiti’s national heritage.
Bois-Caïman has long been celebrated as the site of a socio-political ceremony in August 1791 that is often seen as the catalyst for Haiti’s revolution and its fight for independence. This revolution ultimately led to the abolition of slavery in what would become the first Black republic in the world. The site embodies universal values of freedom, equality, and dignity, aligning with UNESCO’s designation of August 23 as the International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition.
As a site of resistance and a symbol of self-determination, Bois-Caïman has played a pivotal role in shaping both Haitian and global history. The site’s inclusion in the UNESCO register not only affirms its national significance but also elevates its role in fostering a global dialogue on the history of slavery and the ongoing struggles for freedom.
Bois-Caïman was already classified as a national heritage and tourist site in 1982, and declared a public utility in 1995. Its recognition by UNESCO strengthens its status as a universal symbol of emancipation. In September 2023, the site was officially marked, paving the way for further conservation efforts, including the construction of a museum dedicated to the history of slavery. These initiatives aim to preserve the site’s legacy and promote its educational significance, both in schools and through artistic representation.
The site’s inclusion in the UNESCO register is seen as a powerful reminder of the resilience of the Haitian people and the enduring relevance of their fight for freedom.
