International Day for the Abolition of Slavery

International Day for the Abolition of Slavery

International Day for the Abolition of Slavery aims to raise awareness about the continuing issue of modern slavery worldwide. The purpose is to remind people that millions of people from various backgrounds still face forced labor and exploitation in many forms, such as human trafficking, bonded labor, and child labor. The observance encourages individuals, organizations, and governments to unite and take action against slavery in all its forms.

The United Nations (UN) declared the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery on December 2nd in recognition of the adoption of the UN Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and of the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others, which was approved on December 2, 1949. In the United States, modern slavery is a significant issue, with an estimated 400,000 people living in conditions of forced labor and exploitation. This highlights the importance of raising awareness about modern slavery, even in countries that have long abolished slavery officially.

While there is no specific date for the observance of International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, various events and initiatives take place across the country to mark this critical cause. These activities may include educational campaigns, panel discussions, art exhibitions, and fundraising events to support anti-slavery organizations. By participating in these events and raising awareness about modern slavery, individuals can contribute to the global fight against this human rights violation and work toward a future where everyone is free from exploitation and slavery.

Facts about this United Nations Observance

• The International Labor Organization (ILO) estimates that 21 million people worldwide are victims of forced labor.
• Brazil was the last country in the West to abolish slavery, which it did in 1888. Other parts of the world took even longer, with countries like Qatar and Saudi Arabia abolishing slavery only in the 1960s.
• In November of 2016, a new legally binding protocol designed to strengthen global efforts to eliminate forced labor was put into effect.
• Child slavery is a crime against humanity. Humanity itself is at stake here. A lot of work still remains, but I will see the end of child labor in my lifetime. – Kailash Satyarthi, Indian children’s rights advocate and founder of Bachpan Bachao Andolan.

In the News and Trending in the US for International Day for the Abolition of Slavery

Top things to do in the US for this observance

• Spread awareness by using the hashtags #InternationalDayforAbolitionofSlavery, #EndSlavery and #HumanRightsMatter.
• Volunteer your time at a local rescue center for victims of human trafficking. These centers assist victims in sharing their stories, regaining their lives and dignity and helping to reduce this problem.
• Watch a movie about the horrors of slavery. Some suggestions are: 12 Years a Slave (2014), Django Unchained (2014) and Amistad (1997)
• Donate to a charity fighting to end slavery. Antislavery.org works at local, national and international levels to eliminate all forms of slavery around the world. All proceeds from donations are put toward achieving that goal.
• Read a book about the horrors of slavery. Some suggestions are: Uncle Tom’s Cabin, Beloved and Chains.