International Day for the Abolition of Slavery

International Day for the Abolition of Slavery

International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, an annual observance established by the United Nations aims to raise awareness of the need to eradicate modern forms of slavery. These include human trafficking, forced labor, debt bondage, and the worst forms of child labor. The day also reminds us of the importance of promoting and protecting the rights of those subjected to this heinous practice, which continues to be a global issue.

The UN General Assembly first declared December 2nd as the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery in 1986, based on the date of the adoption of the United Nations Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and of the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others (1949). In the United Kingdom, the Modern Slavery Act 2015 was enacted to help combat this issue, consolidating previous offenses related to trafficking and slavery. The Act increases the penalties for violations and provides support and protection for victims.

In the United Kingdom, International Day for the Abolition of Slavery is observed through various means, such as educational and informative events held by schools, universities, and local organisations to raise awareness of the ongoing problem of modern-day slavery. Furthermore, non-governmental organisations and charitable groups work alongside the government in their efforts to address and combat this issue. By coming together on December 2nd, the people of the United Kingdom can support and contribute to the elimination of modern slavery, in line with global efforts to create a world free from this terrible practice.

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.
• The Slavery Abolition Act of 1833 officially abolishes slavery in most British colonies, freeing over 800,000 enslaved people of African descent. However, the act also included a controversial "apprenticeship" system, which required formerly enslaved people to work as unpaid apprentices for their former enslavers for a period of four to six years. This was ultimately abolished in 1838.
• The Slavery Abolition Act included compensation for slave owners who lost their "property" due to abolition. The British government paid a total of £20 million (equivalent to billions of dollars today) to compensate approximately 46,000 slave owners for their lost "property."

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

Top things to do in the UK 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.
• Educate yourself about the history of slavery and its impact on society. Use this day as an opportunity to read books, watch documentaries, or attend lectures to deepen your knowledge. Share what you learn with friends, family, or on your social media platforms to raise awareness.
• Donate to or support organizations that are actively involved in fighting against modern slavery. These organizations often provide support to survivors, engage in advocacy work, or fund projects that aim to prevent and combat slavery.