International Day for the Abolition of Slavery: History, Facts & Insights

This is an in-depth look at all the must-know facts about International Day for the Abolition of Slavery (2024) 🗓️ that no one tells you about. International Day for the Abolition of Slavery is observed on December 2nd.

Among the information you’ll find below: the history of International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, activities to do on and how to observe this holiday, as well as interesting facts you need know about International Day for the Abolition of Slavery.

📅 What day is International Day for the Abolition of Slavery 2024?

In 2024, International Day for the Abolition of Slavery is on Saturday, December 2nd. It is the 1st Saturday in December; in 2024, it is Monday. There are until the next observance. You also can explore all intriguing details and facts about December 2, 2023, that you might not be aware of.

Each year, on December 2nd, the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery is marked. It commemorates the passing of the Convention for the Suppression of Human Trafficking and the Exploitation of Others’ Prostitution by the United Nations General Assembly in 1949. The focus of this day is to put an end to contemporary forms of slavery, such as sexual exploitation, human trafficking, severe child labor, forced marriages, and the coercion of young individuals into military service.

📜 International Day for the Abolition of Slavery History

The International Labor Organization estimates that there are 40 million individuals currently trapped in modern-day slavery worldwide. Although there is no specific legal definition for modern slavery, it encompasses various forms of exploitation such as forced labor, debt bondage, forced marriage, human trafficking, and other forms of abuse where victims are held against their will through threats, coercion, deception, or the abuse of power.

Throughout history, slavery has existed across different nations, civilizations, and religions. Slaves have come from diverse racial and religious backgrounds. The social, economic, and legal status of enslaved individuals has changed significantly over time and in different locations. For instance, during the 17th and 18th centuries, Africans were forcibly taken as slaves to the American colonies and subjected to labor in industries like tobacco and cotton production. It is estimated that between 6 and 7 million slaves were transported to the New World during the 18th century, resulting in the loss of Africa’s strongest and healthiest individuals.

On September 22, 1862, President Lincoln issued a preliminary emancipation proclamation, officially declaring on January 1, 1863, that slaves within specified parts of the United States would be forever free. While the Emancipation Proclamation did not completely end slavery in America (that came with the 13th Amendment after the Civil War), it did liberate approximately 3 million enslaved people in rebel states, weakening the Confederacy’s labor force and garnering international support for the Union. Around 186,000 black troops joined the Union Army, with nearly 38,000 losing their lives.

Although slavery is now illegal worldwide, human trafficking remains a pervasive global issue. As of 2013, an estimated 25-40 million individuals were trapped in slavery, predominantly in Asia. Examples of more recent instances include the sale of people into slavery during Sudan’s Second Civil War (1983-2005) and the discovery of child trafficking and enslavement on cocoa farms in West Africa in the late 1990s.

Since 1995, the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery has aimed to unite efforts in creating a better world. However, it was not until ten years after a U.N. Working Group on Slavery submitted a report in 1985 that December 2 officially became the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery.

✅ International Day for the Abolition of Slavery Facts

🔖 Forced labor victims create a $150 billion profit
The International Labor Organization reports that there are currently 21 million individuals who are victims of forced labor worldwide. This leads to an alarming $150 billion in illegal profits generated within the private sector annually.

🔖 One in four of the enslaved are children

🔖 40 million people face modern-day slavery
According to the International Labour Organization, over 40 million individuals worldwide are impacted by modern slavery, which encompasses various forms such as coerced labor, debt bondage, forced marriages, and human trafficking.

👍 Why Is International Day for the Abolition of Slavery Important

The International Day for the Abolition of Slavery aims to increase awareness of the evils of modern slavery and commitment to its abolition.The day presents an opportunity to make a difference. By talking about it and convincing others to commit to ending it, the day may have a long-term influence on our planet.

There is no stronger motivator to strive together toward a more just and equitable future than looking at what we are now failing at. Because International Day for the Abolition of Slavery draws attention to our mistakes in the area of slavery, as well as the traditional beliefs and institutions that have actively supported it, it serves as a motivator for us to demand something better.
People suffered greatly and were considered less than human while working for their owners during the slave trade era. As we commemorate International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, we are commemorating the abolition of slavery.

Yes, the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery helps to recommit us to serving those who have been forced into modern slavery. It is a day for us to reconnect with our humanity.
When we recall that Abolition Day commemorates the abolition of slavery, we are thankful that we were not born during the slave trade era. Knowing the challenges that slaves had throughout that time period would make us appreciate our freedom even more.

🙂 How To Observe International Day for the Abolition of Slavery

⚡ Stop oppressing others
Take a moment to reflect on your actions and consider whether you may unknowingly be causing harm or oppression to others. If you find that you are indeed doing so, it is important to acknowledge this and make changes to your behavior. By educating yourself on the history of slavery and understanding the experiences of oppressed individuals, you can gain insight into their perspective and avoid becoming an oppressor yourself.

⚡ Become a conscious consumer
An effective way to observe International Day for the Abolition of Slavery and make a real impact is by making a commitment to only buy products labeled as “fair trade,” ensuring they are produced ethically. It is important to investigate the companies you purchase from and their supply chains to ensure that no slave labor was involved in the manufacturing process. Additionally, you can actively request companies to eliminate the use of forced labor and slavery in their supply chains.

⚡ Commit to ethical labor sourcing
Engaging in ethical production and delivering services is the ultimate priority for business owners. It is an ideal way to spend the day, ensuring that goods are produced in a responsible manner. Moreover, actively promoting ethical labor practices and labeling products accordingly can help attract a larger customer base and inspire fellow business owners to follow suit.

📅 When is International Day for the Abolition of Slavery?

You can view all 🔗 December holidays, including 🔗 Cause and other 🔗 Awareness holidays.

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