Article No. 4 of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights states:
“No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms.”
Yet, slavery still exists and it is growing at an alarming rate.
The problem of contemporary slavery:
- Major forms of slavery are human trafficking, forced labour, exploitation of domestic workers, especially children, debt labour and sexual slavery.
- Human trafficking is a modern tragedy and it is the fastest growing criminal industry world wide.
- Slavery is not something that “happens elsewhere” or only in the “underdeveloped countries”; it is a global problem. Any country might be used for sourcing, transit or as a destination by traffickers; or it all happens within one area.
- Women, children, ethnic minorities, indigenous people, hill tribes, refugees, and illegal migrants are amongst the key target groups. (UNIFEM)
- Keep yourself and others informed on this issue. A simple 'Did you know that slavery still exists?' is a good way to start.
- Contact your local police if you see anything that looks suspicious.
- You have power as a consumer. Support fair and ethical trade initiatives by buying products from them. Write letters to your favourite retailers and big chains asking what measures the company is taking to identify, prevent and end the use of forced labour and slavery from within their supply chain.
- Encourage and support groups, organisations and individuals who are actively doing something about the problem.
- Participate in efforts to end this crime - such as organising or participating in activities that increase awareness of the problem and/or raise funds.
Whatever you choose to do, please do something. Do not close your eyes to slavery.
"Action is the Antidote to Despair" - Joan Baez
"Action is the Antidote to Despair" - Joan Baez
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