International Day for the Abolition of Slavery

International Day for the Abolition of Slavery

International Day for the Abolition of Slavery aims to raise global awareness of the need to put an end to modern forms of slavery, including human trafficking, child labour, and forced marriage. These human rights violations affect millions of individuals worldwide, with a disproportionate number of victims being women and children. The observance focuses on eradicating these harmful practices and advocating for effective policies and legislations to combat the ongoing issue.

The observance traces back to 1949 when the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others. This marked a significant milestone in international efforts to address the problem of human trafficking and other forms of modern slavery. In New Zealand, the government has made significant strides in combating modern slavery, which is estimated to affect around 3,000 people, most of whom are migrant workers. The government has instituted protections for exploited workers and introduced a new specific visa for victims of trafficking, ensuring access to support services.

In New Zealand, International Day for the Abolition of Slavery serves as an opportunity for individuals and organizations to come together and raise awareness about the issue. Various educational events, seminars, and discussions are held throughout the country to engage the public on the gravity of modern slavery and the need for ongoing efforts to put an end to it. These events also highlight the importance for New Zealanders to remain vigilant and conscientious of the prevalence of modern slavery. International Day for the Abolition of Slavery is observed annually on December 2.

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.
• New Zealand is considered a destination country for men and women subjected to forced labor and sex trafficking. People mainly from countries in the Asia-Pacific region, such as China, India, and the Philippines, have been identified as victims of exploitation in industries like construction, agriculture, and hospitality.
• The abolition of slavery in New Zealand had a significant impact on Māori society, as it forced tribes to find new ways to resolve conflicts and deal with matters of power and authority. Many Māori tribes also aligned themselves with the British and adopted European customs and practices, including abandoning the traditionalslave-keeping practices.

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

Top things to do in NZ 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.
• Collaborate with non-governmental organizations, charities, or grassroots movements that work toward abolishing slavery. Volunteer your time, skills, or resources to support their efforts and be part of the solution.
• Raise awareness about modern slavery issues by organizing educational events, workshops, or seminars in schools, community centers, or universities. Invite experts or representatives from organizations working to combat slavery to share information and insights.