UN Secretary Calls for Unity to Combat Modern Slavery
UN General-Secretary, Antonio Guterres, Nov 2024 Photo: EFE
December 2, 2024 Hour: 2:34 pm
UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for global unity in the face of contemporary forms of slavery that hinder the enjoyment of basic human rights, slow down development, and perpetuate inequalities.
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In his message for the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, Guterres warned that this threat also undermines sustainable economic development.
According to figures provided by the Secretary-General, nearly 50 million people worldwide are trapped in inhumane conditions due to human trafficking, forced labor, sexual exploitation, and forced marriages. Guterres urged states to fulfill their commitments made in the Pact for the Future signed last September, which demands an end to these contemporary forms of slavery.
“To turn words into action, governments must strengthen law enforcement, uphold human dignity, protect, free, and support victims, and bring perpetrators to justice,” he stated. He also emphasized that businesses have a responsibility to ensure their supply chains are free from exploitation and to promote fair and transparent labor practices.
The International Day for the Abolition of Slavery is observed every December 2nd in coincidence with the anniversary of the Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and of the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others, adopted in 1949. This date aims to raise public awareness about the scourge of modern slavery.
According to data from the international organization, approximately 50 million people are subjected to modern slavery: around 28 million are in forced labor and 22 million are in forced marriages. Additionally, nearly one in eight people subjected to forced labor are children, with almost half of them being in situations of commercial sexual exploitation. Eighty-six percent of forced labor cases occur in the private sector.
Guterres reiterated that it is essential to act collectively to eradicate these serious human rights violations and ensure a more just and equitable future for all.
Autor: OSG
Fuente: PL
