UNITED STATES: The International Day for the Abolition of Slavery is dedicated to spreading awareness about slavery. It is observed on December 2 every year. On December 2, 1951, the UN Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others was embraced.
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Commemorating this day, the United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres highlighted the impact of the contemporary forms of slavery. He also stated that these kinds of practices had no space in the 21st century.
According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), globally, around 40 million people are believed to be victims of slavery. Out of this, around 15 million people are forced into marriage, and 25 million people are forced into labor. Unfortunately, women and girls account for 71 percent of the victims.
Talking about this, Guterres said, “Poor and marginalized groups, in particular racial and ethnic minorities, indigenous peoples and migrants, are disproportionally affected by contemporary forms of slavery. Gender inequality further reinforces patterns of discrimination.”
The UN chief also urged the people to strengthen their efforts to end the abhorrent practices.
Slavery strengthens its roots through forced labor, child labor, forced marriage, human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and the forced recruitment of children in armed conflict.
In a video message, Guterres recalled the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action(DDPA). DDPA is a comprehensive and action-oriented document that proposes measures to combat racism, discrimination, and related intolerance. It likewise recognizes that slavery and the slave exchange are violations against mankind.
In a statement, Guterres said, “This milestone document defines slavery and slavery-like practices as flagrant violations of human rights. We cannot accept these violations in the twenty-first century.”
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