On 10 January, the United Nations launches 2004 as the International Year to Commemorate the Struggle Against Slavery and its Abolition.

Millions of women, children and men are enslaved around the world -- no region is free from this abuse. Slavery today takes many forms: entire families are forced to work as bonded labourers in South Asia, men are used as forced labour in American agriculture and women are trafficked into Europe's sex industry.

In Haiti, which this month celebrates its founding as the first republic established by freed African slaves 200 years ago, slavery continues. Children as young as four are trafficked internally as domestic workers (restavèks). An estimated one in 10 Haitian children works long hours, with no pay and is at risk of sexual and physical abuse and are deprived of their rights to education, rest and recreation.

Slavery is illegal under international law and in most countries, but in many cases laws are not enforced and offenders are not punished.

This UN year provides a valuable opportunity both to commemorate the long struggle for abolition and to recognise that slavery continues to exist throughout the world. It is vital governments develop and implement laws against slavery and ensure those who continue to use slaves are prosecuted.