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At the 4th UNI Africa Regional Conference, UNI Global Union issued a declaration against slavery and vowed to put the nail in the coffin of slavery. Over 40 million people are in bonded slave labour and there are 168 million victims of child labour. UNI Global Union and UNI Africa are committed to the fight against modern slavery, forced labour, human trafficking and child labour, with the aim of achieving Target 8.7 of the United Nation’s 2030 Sustainable Development (SDGs).

Nobel prize winner Houcine Abbassi endorsed UNI’s declaration on slavery, saying, “Slavery is a blight on humanity – today, in the 21st century, we are still talking about it. Slavery rips people from their own countries and communities and treats them like objects.”

“There are challenges on the way to the eradication of slavery, but there is also hope. As long as there are people like us who care about human rights are willing to fight and speak with one voice, there is a chance. We must find the solutions through hard work and cooperation. With our mentality and spirit, unions could be the engine that can put an end to slavery and this ferocious globalization.”

“We were given a reminder of the human cost of slavery at Gorée Island”, said general secretary of UNI Global Union. “This primitive form of globalization led to the destruction of communities and the enslavement of vast parts of this continent. The “Door of No Return” at the House of Slaves reminds us that we must make sure that there is no return to this exploitation.”

“It will take a mountainous effort by our affiliates and our allies in civil society, but together, we can create a new chapter in the history of civilization – free of racism and discrimination. We can put the nail in the coffin of slavery.”

Babacar Sarr, General Secretary of SYTS said, “The UNI Global Union and UNI Africa declaration against slavery shows our determination as a movement to fight against modern forms of slavery - human trafficking, bonded labour and child labour.”

“As Nelson Mandela said, ‘to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.’”