UN human rights chief calls for concerted action to end slavery

GENEVA – In a statement marking the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, which falls on Tuesday, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay called for “a concerted effort to finally bring an end to slavery and slave-like practices that persist around the globe.”

Although slavery was formally abolished more than 200 years ago, the traditional practice of slavery persists in some countries, and new manifestations flourish in forms such as debt bondage, trafficking in human beings, the sale of children and child prostitution.

“Slavery is a crime against humanity,” Pillay said, referring to a formulation that was only unequivocally accepted internationally when it was included in the Declaration agreed by states attending the 2001 World Conference against Racism in Durban, South Africa. “It has shattered human lives and destroyed societies; and despite universal recognition of its evils, slavery and slavery-like practices continue to cause untold suffering in the lives of some 27 million men, women and children in all parts of the world.”

She called on governments, civil society, businesses and individuals to work together to put an end to all forms of slavery by instituting legislative and judicial reforms, implementing existing laws prohibiting slavery or slave-like conditions, raising awareness of the issue and avoiding goods and services produced under slave-like conditions.

The High Commissioner also warned that the global economic crisis could lead to more people being enslaved, as well as put greater pressure on those who are already victims of this “disgraceful crime.” She noted that the suffering does not end with the practice itself, as descendents of former slaves continue to suffer the consequences of their ancestors’ treatment.

Pillay said that the practice of slavery revealed a capacity for tremendous cruelty, but the struggle against it also embodied great human dignity and nobility. She applauded the courage of an ex-slave from Niger who recently took her Government to court for failing to enforce its anti-slavery laws. “She stood up to those who had allowed her to be enslaved, and bravely opposed a practice that traditionally silences its victims and negates their humanity.”

Pillay welcomed the decision by the Community Court of Justice – the judicial arm of the Economic Community of West African States – that ruled against the Government of Niger for failing to protect the former slave.