2 December

International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, 2 December, recalls the date of the adoption, by the General Assembly, of the United Nations Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and the Exploitation of Others (resolution 317 (IV) of 2 December 1949).

The focus of this day is on eradicating contemporary forms of slavery, such as trafficking in persons, sexual exploitation, the worst forms of child labour, forced marriage, and the forced recruitment of children for use in armed conflict. Today, 21 million women, men and children are trapped in slavery all over the world.

Latest estimates from the International Labour Organisation – the UN agency for the World of Work – show there are 21 million people in forced labour, generating US$ 150 billion in illegal profits across all continents. The three-year 50 for Freedom campaign launched on 20 October 2015, calls on governments to help end modern slavery.