The Sub-Sahara and its slavery epidemic

Slavery is a worldwide crisis. Every year, slaves are unwillingly traded, beaten, raped, and worked to death. Some areas of the world are reasonably abreast of slavery. Southern Africa is not one such place. With over six million slaves currently working in this region, the scale of this problem is not something to be underestimated. The industries most reported in a 2016 survey conducted by the Walk Free Foundation include the commercial sex industry, manual labour industries such as construction, manufacturing and factory work, and drug trafficking.

Shockingly, despite Slavery being ostensibly illegal worldwide, there is evidence that the governments of Eritrea and Swaziland actively sanctioned the use of forced labour. Similarly, in these regions many regional rulers demand a tribute of slaves for unwillingly work. Government draughting programs run to select slaves from the population of some of these countries, deceiving its workers into thinking their service is for a one year period, but in reality enslaving them indefinitely.

But despite this, progress is being made; NGOs (Non-Government Organisations) are working to disestablish this institution, at great risk, for these governments can often be ruthless in preserving their practices.

If you want to help, you can do so by donating to and advocating for the following NGOs:

FreeTheSlaves

Anti Slavery Association

Walk Free Foundation

These NGOs perform both on the ground and legislative work in the anti-slavery movement, and require charitable funding to remain afloat. For as little as 10 dollars a month you can make a difference.

Article by Finn Mollison

#Slavery #Abolition #NGO #Exploitation