International Day for the Abolition of Slavery is observed annually on December 2, marking the adoption of the United Nations Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and of the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others in 1949. This day serves as a reminder of the brutal history of slavery and aims to eradicate contemporary forms of slavery, including human trafficking, forced labor, sexual exploitation, and child labor ¹ ² ³.

*History of Slavery Abolition*

The transatlantic slave trade, which lasted for over 400 years, saw millions of Africans forcibly enslaved and transported to the Americas. The abolition movement gained momentum in the 18th and 19th centuries, with countries like Britain abolishing slavery in 1833, followed by France and the United States in 1848 and 1865, respectively ⁴ ⁵.

*Modern-Day Slavery*

Despite progress, modern slavery persists, with an estimated 50 million people trapped in forced labor, human trafficking, and other forms of exploitation. The International Labour Organisation (ILO) reports that over 40 million individuals globally are victims of modern slavery ³ ⁶.

*Efforts to Combat Slavery*

The United Nations and various organizations are working to combat modern slavery through awareness campaigns, law enforcement, and support for victims. The ILO has adopted protocols to strengthen global efforts to eliminate forced labor.