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22 August 2008
The 23 August 2008 is the UN’s International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition and marks the UK ‘s first annual slavery memorial day.
The Transatlantic Slave Trade was one of the ugliest chapters in world history but despite the successes of the black and white abolitionists two centuries ago slavery was not consigned to history.
Today, 12.3m people are still forced to work against their will, trafficked into slavery or born as slaves.
Modern slaves include Idree, who after nearly 10 years in bondage at a brick kiln in Pakistan , sold a kidney to pay off a debt of $1,000 that he and his parents owed to the Kiln owner. Only six months later he fell back into debt.
Unfortunately, Idree’s story is not unique. Across the world millions of people are forced to work for years in terrible conditions. They try in vain to pay off extortionate debts accrued simply because wages fail to meet their basic living needs.
As we remember the legacy of the Transatlantic Slave Trade we need a new generation of abolitionists to take up the fight to stamp out slavery in all its forms.
Aidan McQuade , Director, Anti-Slavery International
NOTES TO EDITORS:
- For further information please contact Paul Donohoe, Anti-Slavery International’s Press Officer, on 020 7501 8934 or email p.donohoe@antislavery.org
- Support Anti-Slavery International and join the Campaigns Network
