International Day for the Abolition of Slavery 2024: History, Theme and Significance

International Day for the Abolition of Slavery is observed every year on 2 December. It is about raising awareness and reinforcing global efforts in combatting the torment of modern slavery. The day reminds the people and government to abolish modern forms of slavery like trafficking, sexual exploitation, child labour, forced marriage, and forced recruitment of children into armed conflict.

Secretary-General António Guterres in his message urged conveyed to abolish modern slavery.

I call on Member States, civil society and the private sector to strengthen collective action to end the heinous practice of slavery. I urge all countries to intensify their efforts to identify and protect victims and survivors – including by contributing to the United Nations Voluntary Trust Fund on Contemporary Forms of Slavery. Let us join forces to end the degradation and inhumanity of modern slavery once and for all.

History of International Day for the Abolition of Slavery

On International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, people focus on eradicating contemporary forms of slavery like human trafficking, sexual exploitation, child labour, forced marriage, and the forced recruitment of kids into armed conflict. In 1949, member states adopted the Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and the Exploitation of Prostitution.

Although, since 1995, the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery has shone the spotlight on the atrocities of modern slavery and tried to inspire commitment to better humanity. 2 December wasn’t recognized as the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery until exactly a decade after a U.N Working Group on Slavery proposed it as the World Day for the Abolition of Slavery in 1985.

By resolution 57/195 of 18 December 2002, the Assembly declared 2004 the International Year to Commemorate the Struggle Against Slavery and its Abolition.

The theme of International Day for the Abolition of Slavery 2024

The day reminds the people and government to abolish modern forms of slavery like trafficking, sexual exploitation, child labour, forced marriage, and forced recruitment of children into armed conflict.

The theme for the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery 2024 has not been officially announced yet. This day, observed annually on December 2nd, focuses on eradicating modern forms of slavery, such as human trafficking, sexual exploitation, forced marriage, and child labour.

The theme of International Day for the Abolition of Slavery 2021: “Ending Slavery’s Legacy of Racism: A Global Imperative for Justice”. The theme of International Day for the Abolition of Slavery 2020 was “Confronting Slavery’s Legacy of Racism Together”.

Significance of International Day for the Abolition of Slavery

International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, observed annually on December 2nd, is a day dedicated to eradicating modern forms of slavery, such as human trafficking, sexual exploitation, forced marriage, and child labour. The day was established to mark the adoption of the United Nations Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and of the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others on December 2, 1949.

The significance of this day includes:

• Raising Awareness: It helps raise global awareness about the existence of modern slavery and the need to combat it.
• Promoting Action: The day encourages governments, organizations, and individuals to take concrete actions to eliminate all forms of modern slavery.
• Advocating for Rights: It emphasizes the importance of protecting the rights of those who are vulnerable to exploitation and ensuring they have access to justice and support.
• Reinforcing Global Efforts: The day serves as a reminder of the ongoing global efforts to combat slavery and highlights the need for continued commitment and collaboration.

By observing International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, we reaffirm our commitment to ending slavery in all its forms and ensuring that everyone can live free from exploitation and abuse.

Quick Facts about Modern Slavery

Here are some quick facts about the modern form of slavery as of Dec 2021:

• An estimated 40.3 million people are in modern slavery, including 24.9 in forced labour and 15.4 million in forced marriage.
• There are 5.4 victims of modern slavery for every 1,000 people in the world.
• 1 in 4 victims of modern slavery are children.
• Out of the 24.9 million people trapped in forced labour, 16 million people are exploited in the private sector such as domestic work, construction or agriculture; 4.8 million people in forced sexual exploitation, and 4 million people in forced labour imposed by state authorities.
• Women and girls are disproportionately affected by forced labour, accounting for 99% of victims in the commercial sex industry, and 58% in other sectors.

Observation Dates International Day for the Abolition of Slavery

International Day for the Abolition of Slavery is observed every year on 2 December.

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