BAMRO

2 December – International Day for the Abolition of Slavery

39th Anniversary

BAMRO: United Against Modern Slavery, Human Trafficking, and Irregular Migration

On the second of December each year, the world stands before one of the most significant human rights and humanitarian milestones: the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, officially adopted by the United Nations in 1986 to confront the modern forms of slavery that—despite human progress—continue to threaten millions around the world.

In 2025, we mark the 39th anniversary of this day, reminding the world that slavery has not completely vanished; rather, it has taken on new forms masked by need, poverty, conflict, and unsafe migration routes.

Modern Slavery… Crimes Wearing New Faces

Despite the abolition of traditional slavery, modern forms of exploitation continue to evolve. The most prominent include:

1️⃣ Human Trafficking

The most dangerous form of contemporary slavery, where women, children, and men are exploited for forced labor, begging, prostitution, or forced marriage.

2️⃣ Sexual Exploitation

One of the most horrific violations of human dignity, targeting especially women and girls.

3️⃣ Child Labor

Millions of children worldwide are forced to work in harsh conditions, deprived of education, safety, and protection.

4️⃣ Domestic Servitude

Where many domestic workers are forced to work long hours without rights, protection, or freedom—amounting to silent enslavement.

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Irregular Migration… Exploiting Human Suffering

Irregular migration is no longer merely an individual attempt to seek a better life. It has become a dangerous tool for human trafficking:

• Smuggling networks exploit poverty and despair.

• Smugglers sell illusions and send migrants toward death at sea.

• Women and girls are sexually exploited along the journey.

• Some are forced into labor to repay smuggling debts.

Irregular migration is a disguised form of slavery, stretching across dangerous routes where criminals treat humans as commodities.

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The Need to Stop All Avenues of Irregular Migration

BAMRO affirms that combating irregular migration is not only a security responsibility, but a humanitarian one, requiring:

• Closing dangerous routes exploited by smugglers

• Pursuing trafficking networks internationally

• Strengthening global cooperation to protect migrants and victims

• Addressing the economic and social causes of migration

• Regulating safe and legal migration channels that protect dignity and rights

Stopping irregular migration is for the migrant’s protection, not against them.

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BAMRO’s Message on This Global Day

As an organization holding consultative status with ECOSOC,
BAMRO – Belgian International Organization for Human Rights and Development
reaffirms its commitment to fighting all forms of slavery and exploitation by:

• Raising community awareness on modern slavery and human trafficking

• Supporting victims legally, psychologically, and socially

• Monitoring violations and exposing exploitation networks

• Advocating for stricter laws and policies to protect vulnerable groups

• Organizing awareness campaigns and international activities

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39 Years… and the Road Ahead Remains Long

Commemorating the 39th International Day for the Abolition of Slavery reminds us that our struggle is not over:
Women are still exploited, children are still abused, migrants are still pushed toward death, and families continue to grieve their loved ones lost on dangerous routes.

BAMRO affirms that the fight for human dignity is its core mission, and that every person deserves a free, safe, exploitation-free life.

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In Conclusion

On this global day, BAMRO calls on governments, the international community, organizations, and media outlets to work together to:

• End all forms of modern slavery

• Combat human trafficking without compromise

• Halt irregular migration to protect lives

• Uphold the values of justice, freedom, and dignity

For every human being is born free… and suffering must never become a commodity, nor vulnerability a gateway to slavery.