18th October Anti Slavery Day

18^th October Anti Slavery Day

What do you think when you hear Anti Slavery Day?  That slavery is something of the past?  That it is surprising that we even need an anti-slavery day? All that should be true and yet slavery is still rife in many parts of the world.

Slavery has existed almost as long as human beings themselves, having been recorded as far back as the fifth century BC.  Many people were treated as dogs - locked up with chains around their hands, feet and even their necks.  Beatings with whips was common practice and body parts were often cut off over trivial things or nothing at all.

They were not seen as human but as objects - a commodity that could be bought and sold for money to better the capitalist market and the wealthy individual!

So when did we 'stop' slavery?   The Abolition of the Slave Trade Act was finally passed in 1807 and all slaves were freed over the next twenty years.

How disappointing then that in the 21st century we need a day like this!

Did you know that millions of people in the modern world are treated as slaves?  It's happening in places like Africa, South Asia, Latin America and even Europe.

It's not true to say we've regressed completely.  Slavery is illegal, the problem is much of it, including child slavery, goes on behind closed doors and in some places the laws aren't enforced enough.

Someone once wrote a play on human trafficking - because at the time they had been reading a lot about young women who were being exploited in the UK and thought it was important that these women were given a voice!

Your money could help a slave escape his master and find a job that would not involve the exploitation of his person.   A sum as little as £10 could provide briefings for campaigners to send leaflets to government that protests against the problem and demands the freedom of slaves.  If you're interested in getting involved and taking action visit the anti slavery day website for more information. 

Let's all show we support anti slavery - beginning right now.  One small impact from you could make such a huge difference in the long-run ... so show your support for Anti Slavery Day!

UK Health Radio – the health radio station for the United Kingdom, Europe and beyond at www.ukhealthradio.com – is kindly sponsored by www.1-stop-health-shop.com

Amanda Thomas

UK Health Radio

 Anti Slavery Day website