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.
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.
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, 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.
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.
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.
BACKGROUND:
