Noman Ali Khan

Slavery is a system of exploitation that deprives a person of their freedom, dignity, and human rights. Slavery has existed in various forms and cultures throughout history, from ancient times to the present day. Some of the factors that contributed to the emergence and persistence of slavery include economic, political, social, cultural, and religious reasons.
Some of the earliest records of slavery can be traced back to the civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, Greece, and Rome, where slaves were used for domestic, agricultural, military, and administrative purposes. Slaves were often captured in wars, raids, or debt, or born into slavery. Slavery was also practiced in other regions of the world, such as China, India, Africa, and the Americas, where different forms of slavery, such as serfdom, debt bondage, and human sacrifice, existed.

The transatlantic slave trade, which lasted from the 15th to the 19th century, was one of the largest and most brutal forms of slavery in history. It involved the kidnapping, transportation, and sale of millions of Africans across the Atlantic Ocean to work as slaves in the colonies of Europe and the Americas. The slave trade was driven by the demand for cheap labor and raw materials, and it had devastating effects on the lives, cultures, and societies of the enslaved people and their descendants.
The abolition of slavery was a long and difficult process that involved various movements, actors, and events. Some of the factors that contributed to the abolition of slavery include moral, religious, humanitarian, political, and economic reasons. Some of the key figures and organizations that fought against slavery include abolitionists, such as William Wilberforce, Frederick Douglass, Harriet Tubman, and Olaudah Equiano; anti-slavery societies, such as the Society for the Abolition of the Slave Trade and the American Anti-Slavery Society; and rebellions and revolutions, such as the Haitian Revolution, the American Civil War, and the Brazilian War of Independence.

The International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, observed on December 2, marks the date of 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. The day aims to raise awareness and mobilize action against modern forms of slavery, such as human trafficking, forced labor, child labor, forced marriage, and sexual exploitation. According to the International Labour Organization, there are an estimated 50 million victims of modern slavery worldwide.

The elimination of slavery is a moral, legal, and human rights obligation that requires the cooperation and commitment of all stakeholders, including governments, civil society, businesses, and individuals. Slavery is a violation of the dignity and rights of every human being, and it has negative impacts on the development, peace, and security of the world. Slavery is also a crime under international law, and it is prohibited by various instruments, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the Slavery Convention, the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, and the Protocol to the Forced Labour Convention.
Pakistan is one of the countries that faces the challenge of modern slavery, with an estimated 3.2 million victims.

Some of the forms of slavery that exist in Pakistan include bonded labor, child labor, domestic servitude, forced marriage, and human trafficking. Some of the factors that contribute to the prevalence of slavery in Pakistan include poverty, inequality, discrimination, corruption, lack of education, and weak law enforcement. Some of the initiatives that have been taken to combat slavery in Pakistan include the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act of 1992, the National Plan of Action to Combat Human Trafficking of 2005, the Prevention and Control of Human Trafficking Ordinance of 2002, and the National Commission for Child Welfare and Development of 2006.

The International Day for the Abolition of Slavery is an opportunity to reflect on the history and reality of slavery, and to reaffirm our commitment to end this scourge in all its forms. It is also a day to celebrate the achievements and contributions of the survivors and activists who have fought for freedom and justice. It is a day to raise awareness and educate ourselves and others about the causes and consequences of slavery, and to take action to prevent and eradicate it. It is a day to stand in solidarity with the victims and the vulnerable, and to support their empowerment and protection. It is a day to uphold the dignity and rights of every human being, and to promote a world free of slavery.
Slavery is not inevitable or acceptable. It can and must be eliminated by collective efforts of governments, civil society, private sector, and individuals. There are many actions that can be taken to prevent, combat, and end slavery, such as raising awareness, enforcing laws, providing protection and assistance to victims, promoting education and empowerment, supporting survivors, and holding perpetrators accountable.

Pakistan can eliminate the slavery with its modern forms by implementing and enforcing the laws and policies that prohibit and punish human trafficking, bonded labor, child labor, and other forms of exploitation and abuse. The government should also raise awareness and educate the public about the human rights and dignity of all people, and provide protection and assistance to the victims and survivors of slavery. Moreover, the government should cooperate with the international community and civil society to address the root causes of slavery, such as poverty, inequality, corruption, and conflict, and to promote development, empowerment, and justice for all. Therefore, all the branches of the government, legislature, executive and judiciary, should play their critical role in eliminating slavery in Pakistan. Accordingly, society should also play a vital role in creating awareness regarding the menace of slavery and developing a socio-political consensus to work for the elimination of poverty of all kinds.

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