2 December
International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, 2 December, recalls the date of the adoption, by the General Assembly, of the United Nations Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and the Exploitation of Others (resolution 317 (IV) of 2 December 1949).
The focus of this day is on eradicating contemporary forms of slavery, such as trafficking in persons, sexual exploitation, the worst forms of child labour, forced marriage, and the forced recruitment of children for use in armed conflict.
Today, 21 million women, men and children are trapped in slavery all over the world. The International Labour Organization (ILO) has teamed up with prominent artists, athletes and advocates in its new campaign to End Slavery Now.
In 2007 it was estimated that approximately 800 000 persons are trafficked across the world’s country borders each year. We can do much to prevent human trafficking. South Africa in 2013 adopted legislation to prevent human trafficking - Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act [Act 7 of 2013] .
Source: United Nations International Day for Abolition of Slavery
