Commissioner Laveist calls on nations to redouble efforts to eliminate all forms of oppression
Commissioner responsible for Cultural Affairs Louie Laveist, is adding his voice to leaders around the world in calling on nation-states to redouble efforts to eliminate all forms of modern day oppression.
His message comes after the recent observance of International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and Its Abolition on August 23.
The day commemorated the uprising on 23 August 1791, when slaves of Santo Domingo in the Caribbean launched an insurrection which ultimately led to the Haitian revolution and promoted the cause of human rights.
This yearâ??s international day also coincided with the bicentenary of the abolition of the slave trade by the United States of America in 1808.
"Millions of men and women as well as children were subjected to this horrible atrocity and denied their human rights centuries ago. The freedom from slavery and servitude as a fundamental human right was recognized in Article 4 of the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights, which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year.
"Today, much effort and attention have been put into combating the exploitation of human beings as well as the growing awareness of forced labour and the sale and prostitution of children, all flagrant violations of human rights.
"The world of nations need to redouble efforts in seeking to abolish the contemporary forms of slavery that still today affect millions across the planet," Commissioner Louie Laveist told the Government Information Service (GIS).