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International Day for the Abolition of Slavery

On International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, let's raise awareness and take action to end modern day slavery in all its forms.
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December 2
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Introduction

Join the global movement and mark your calendars for December 2, International Day for the Abolition of Slavery! This day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1986 to raise awareness and take action against modern forms of slavery that still exist around the world. It's a day to honor those who have fought against this inhumane practice and also recognize the progress that has been made towards its eradication. Let's continue to spread awareness and work towards a world without slavery – because every person deserves to be free.

History of International Day for the Abolition of Slavery

International Day for the Abolition of Slavery Dates

International Day for the Abolition of Slavery Timeline

<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1807</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>British Ban on Slave Trade</div><div class='timeline-text'>The British Parliament passes the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act, making it illegal to engage in the slave trade throughout the British Empire.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1865</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>United States Abolishes Slavery</div><div class='timeline-text'>The 13th Amendment to the United States Constitution officially abolishes slavery, marking a significant milestone in the fight against this inhumane practice.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1926</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Global Anti-Slavery Convention</div><div class='timeline-text'>The League of Nations negotiates the Slavery Convention, the first international treaty to address slavery comprehensively.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1948</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights</div><div class='timeline-text'>The United Nations adopts the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states that “No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms.”</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1986</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Establishment of International Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>The United Nations General Assembly establishes December 2 as the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery to raise awareness and spark action against modern forms of slavery.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2000</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>UN Protocol against Trafficking</div><div class='timeline-text'>The United Nations adopts the Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, supplementing the United Nations Convention Against Transnational Organized Crime to combat modern-day slavery.</div></div></div>

How to Celebrate International Day for the Abolition of Slavery

<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Educate yourself and others</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take the time to learn about the history of slavery and its impact on society. Share your knowledge with others and raise awareness about the importance of abolishing slavery.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a protest or rally</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Join a peaceful protest or rally to show your support for the abolition of slavery. Use your voice to advocate for change and stand in solidarity with those who have been affected by slavery.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Support organizations fighting against slavery</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Research and donate to organizations that are dedicated to ending modern-day slavery. Your contributions can make a difference in the lives of those who are still trapped in slavery.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Host a film screening and discussion</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Choose a documentary or movie that sheds light on the issue of slavery and host a screening for your friends and family. Afterwards, have a discussion about the film and its impact on society.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Volunteer at a local anti-slavery organization</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Get involved in your community by volunteering at a local organization that works towards ending slavery. You can use your time and skills to make a positive impact and support their important work.</p></div></div>

Why International Day for the Abolition of Slavery is Important

<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It raises awareness about modern-day slavery</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>International Day for the Abolition of Slavery shines a light on the fact that slavery still exists in various forms around the world. This day serves as an important reminder to take action and work towards ending all forms of modern-day slavery.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It honors those who have fought against slavery</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>This day is also a time to remember and honor the individuals who have stood up against slavery throughout history. From abolitionists to civil rights activists, their bravery and dedication serve as a reminder that change is possible when we come together and stand up against injustice.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It calls for action and advocacy</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>International Day for the Abolition of Slavery is not just about raising awareness - it's also about taking action. It encourages individuals and governments to actively work towards eradicating slavery and promoting human rights for all. By standing in solidarity with those who are affected by modern-day slavery, we can make a difference and create a world free from this horrific practice.</p></div></div>

5 Eye-Opening Facts About Abolition of Slavery

<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Britain's Role in the Abolitionist Movement was Monumental</h3><p class='facts-content'>After the 1807 act abolishing the slave trade, Britain took a leading role globally in anti-slavery advocacy; the British Royal Navy's West Africa Squadron was formed to suppress the Atlantic slave trade by patrolling the coast of West Africa.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Slavery is not a Thing of the Past</h3><p class='facts-content'>Although most associate slavery with historical periods, there are estimates of more than 40 million people worldwide who are victims of some form of modern slavery today, including human trafficking and forced labor.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Transatlantic Slave Trade was Unprecedentedly Cruel</h3><p class='facts-content'>The transatlantic slave trade was marked by its brutality and inhumane conditions. Over the course, an estimated 2 million Africans died at sea during the horrific Middle Passage across the Atlantic.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Emancipation Proclamation didn't Immediately Free Slaves</h3><p class='facts-content'>When President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, it declared slaves in Confederate-held territory were free, but in practice, it had little immediate effect because those regions were still under Confederate control.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Children are Victims of Modern Slavery</h3><p class='facts-content'>It's estimated that nearly 1 in 4 victims of slavery today is a child. They are forced into labor, sexual exploitation, or used as child soldiers in conflicts around the world.</p></div></div>

International Day for the Abolition of Slavery FAQs

When is International Day for the Abolition of Slavery?

International Day for the Abolition of Slavery is celebrated on December 2 every year. In 2024, it will fall on a Monday.

International Day for the Abolition of Slavery Dates

Year
Date
Day

2023

Dec 2

Saturday

2024

Dec 2

Monday

2025

Dec 2

Tuesday

2026

Dec 2

Wednesday

2027

Dec 2

Thursday

Cause Holidays