International Day for the Abolition of Slavery

The International Day for the Abolition of Slavery is a global observance that highlights the ongoing plight of modern slavery and the importance of eradicating such practices. It commemorates the global and unified efforts to eliminate all forms of slavery, including forced labor, child labor, and human trafficking, which continue to persist in many countries. This day is an opportunity for governments, civil society organizations, and individuals to reflect on the importance of protecting human rights and addressing the underlying issues that make people vulnerable to various forms of exploitation.

This annual observance was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1986, on the 40th anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Supplementary Convention on the Abolition of Slavery. The issue of modern slavery is also highly relevant to India, which is home to an estimated 6.1 million victims of forced labor and human trafficking, according to the 2016 Global Slavery Index. Child labor, bonded labor, and human trafficking continue to be widespread, especially among rural and marginalized communities. The Indian government has taken significant steps to address these serious human rights abuses, including through comprehensive legislations such as the Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016, and the Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2018.

In India, International Day for the Abolition of Slavery is observed through various awareness campaigns, educational events, and community discussions, emphasizing on the need to end modern slavery and protect the rights of vulnerable populations. Civil society organizations, activists, and educational institutions participate in these efforts to promote human rights, social justice, and dignity for all, irrespective of their socio-economic background. These events typically occur every year on the 2nd of December, uniting people across the country in solidarity against slavery and exploitation.