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There are serious concerns over the Government of Niger's position
on slavery in the country.
Following the positive moves by the Government on 5 March when
it held an historic ceremony to end slavery throughout the country,
officials are now sending out confused messages over the slavery
situation in Niger.
Anti-Slavery International has had reports that the Government
is saying slavery no longer exists in Niger and that senior government
officials are warning slave masters not to release their slaves
officially stating that if they do, they will be subject to 30 years
in prison.
Timidria, Niger's pioneering anti-slavery organisation, and others
also report government intimidation prevented slaves in In Atès
from attending the 5 March ceremony.
"It is very worrying to hear the Niger Government is now
declaring that slavery does not exist and of its intimidation of
the population. The enactment of legislation that criminalises and
penalises slavery does not automatically mean it has been eliminated.
It is vital the Niger Government acknowledges that slavery is a
serious problem throughout the country and ensures that those in
slavery are made fully aware of the new law and released,"
David Ould Deputy Director of Anti-Slavery International said.
The shift in position by the authorities is striking as Anti-Slavery
International has seen letters from the Prime Minister and from
the former Minister of the Interior clearly stating that they feel
slavery in Niger is a problem.
"It is crucial the Government of Niger acknowledges the
reality of slavery in the country and that elimination requires
a long-term approach. The Government must work with local and international
NGOs in the development of assistance and support programmes for
former slaves as well as in the creation of a monitoring body to
ensure freed slaves are not exploited," Romana Cacchioli
Anti-Slavery International Africa Programme Officer said.
At least 43,000 people are in slavery across Niger. They are born
into an established slave class and are made to do all labour required
by their masters without pay, including herding, cleaning, and moving
their master's tent to ensure he and his family are always in shade.
The masters do nothing. Slaves are inherited, given as gifts and
babies may be taken away from their mothers once weaned. They are
denied all rights and choice.
In May 2004 a new law came into effect making practising slavery
punishable by up to 30 years in prison. The Government's move was
in response to the publication of the first national survey of slavery,
which was jointly carried out by Niger's pioneering anti-slavery
organisation Timidria and Anti-Slavery International, the world's
oldest international human rights organisation. The report established
the extent and countrywide existence of slavery, having interviewed
over 11,000 people, most of whom were found to be in slavery.
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