Freedom Report

Map above shows incidence of slavery based on data from 2019: Highest percentage of the population in slavery is in: Mauritania Mauritania holds a dark distinction: it was the last country in the world to abolish slavery, officially doing so in 1981. However, the practice continues in a more subtle form to this day. Historically, slavery in Mauritania stemmed from social stratification and descent. Lighter-skinned Berbers and Arabs often enslaved darker-skinned African populations. These enslaved people were seen as property, passed down through families and forced to work in domestic service or agriculture. Even after abolition, societal attitudes haven't fully shifted. Many former slaves, known as Haratins, remain trapped in a cycle of poverty and social exclusion. The legacy of slavery manifests in several ways. Haratins often lack access to education and proper healthcare, hindering their social mobility. They may still be forced to work for their former masters, albeit under the guise of traditional obligations, and face social stigma that limits their opportunities. Despite these challenges, there is hope. Anti-slavery organizations work tirelessly to raise awareness, provide legal aid to Haratins, and advocate for legislative changes to truly dismantle the remnants of this brutal system. Mauritania has criminalized slavery, but enforcement remains weak. Continued international pressure and domestic efforts are crucial to finally eradicate this stain on Mauritanian society. Iran While slavery is officially abolished in Iran, its history in the region is long and complex. Unlike the chattel slavery seen in the Americas, Iranian slavery often involved a system of servitude tied to ethnicity, religion, or debt. Historical Context: Throughout Iranian history, empires and dynasties used enslaved people for various purposes. Enslaved individuals might be captured in war, purchased from slave markets, or born into servitude. They could be forced to work in domestic service, agriculture, construction, or even the military. Gradual Abolition: The formal abolition of slavery in Iran happened in stages. The Qajar dynasty outlawed the public sale of slaves in the mid-19th century, and full abolition was declared in 1928. However, the transition wasn't smooth. Former slaves often faced discrimination and limited economic opportunities. Debates and Uncertainties: Historians debate the lingering effects of slavery in contemporary Iran. While chattel slavery isn't practiced, some argue that forced labor, particularly involving child exploitation, might exist in hidden pockets. Additionally, some minority groups may face exploitation within a system that echoes historical power imbalances. Modern Challenges: Modern Iran faces challenges related to human trafficking, which can involve some forms of forced labor. Additionally, the treatment of migrant workers, particularly from neighboring countries, sometimes raises concerns about exploitation. Looking Ahead: Understanding the history of slavery in Iran is crucial to address potential contemporary issues. Efforts to improve the rights and opportunities of minority groups, combat human trafficking, and ensure fair treatment of migrant workers are all steps towards a more just society. Afganistan Afghanistan's history is deeply intertwined with slavery, a practice that continues to cast a long shadow despite official abolition. Traditionally, slavery functioned along ethnic and tribal lines. Pashtun and other dominant ethnicities often enslaved people from minority groups like the Hazara and Baloch. These enslaved people performed domestic labor, worked in agriculture, or were even used as currency in barter. The Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 brought promises of social reform, including the abolition of slavery in 1980. However, the subsequent decades of war and instability created a power vacuum that allowed the practice to persist, albeit in a more clandestine way. Debt bondage, where individuals are forced to work to repay debts, became a prevalent form of exploitation. Despite the overthrow of the Taliban regime in 2001, slavery hasn't been completely eradicated. Poverty, social upheaval, and weak law enforcement create an environment where vulnerable populations, particularly children, are at risk of exploitation. Some families, crushed by economic hardship, might resort to selling their children into domestic servitude. Efforts to combat slavery in Afghanistan face significant challenges. Raising awareness about the issue, strengthening legal frameworks, and improving enforcement mechanisms are crucial steps. International cooperation and support for Afghan organizations working towards social justice are also essential in dismantling the legacy of slavery and creating a future where all Afghans are free. Pakistan Pakistan grapples with the persistent issue of slavery, despite its official abolition in 1947. Here, the legacy manifests in a complex system often referred to as bonded labor. Bonded Labor: This system traps individuals, usually from lower castes or marginalized communities, in a cycle of debt. Families might borrow money from landlords or moneylenders, pledging their labor (and sometimes their children's) as collateral. Exorbitant interest rates and exploitative practices make it nearly impossible to repay the debt, leading to generations bound to servitude. These individuals often work in brick kilns, agriculture, or carpet weaving under harsh conditions and minimal pay. Challenges and Exploitation: The prevalence of bonded labor is fueled by several factors. Widespread poverty makes people vulnerable to predatory loans. Weak law enforcement allows landlords and moneylenders to operate with impunity. Social stigma attached to lower castes further entrenches the system. Children are particularly at risk, forced to work long hours and denied education, perpetuating the cycle of poverty. Hope for Change: Despite these challenges, there are glimmers of hope. Anti-slavery organizations work tirelessly to raise awareness, provide legal aid to bonded laborers, and advocate for legislative reform. The government has also taken some steps, like enacting laws against bonded labor, but enforcement remains a concern. The Road Ahead: Eradicating slavery in Pakistan requires a multi-pronged approach. Strengthening law enforcement, providing economic opportunities for marginalized communities, and promoting education, especially for girls, are crucial steps. Continued pressure from international human rights organizations and sustained efforts by local activists are essential to dismantling this exploitative system and ensuring true freedom for all Pakistanis. Eritrea Eritrea presents a complex case of slavery. While the country outlawed slavery in 1994, a system known as national service raises serious concerns about forced labor and human rights violations. National Service: A Double-Edged Sword Eritrea mandates indefinite national service for all citizens between the ages of 18 and 50. This service, originally intended to last 18 months, can stretch for years. Nationals serve in the military, perform construction work, or are assigned to government-run businesses. While some aspects involve military training and contribute to infrastructure development, critics argue that the system exploits citizens as forced labor. Limited Freedom and Exploitation National service restricts freedom of movement and choice of work. Conscripts receive minimal pay, barely enough for basic necessities. They are often subjected to harsh working conditions, long hours, and limited opportunities for education or personal development. Some reports allege physical and psychological abuse. The Eritrean Government's Perspective The Eritrean government maintains that national service fosters national unity, self-reliance, and skills development. They argue it's necessary for national security and reconstruction after decades of war. International Concerns and the Future The international community has heavily criticized Eritrea's national service system. The UN Human Rights Council has condemned the practice and called for reform. Eritrea denies accusations of forced labor, but the lack of transparency and independent monitoring makes it difficult to assess the true situation. The future of national service in Eritrea remains uncertain. Reform or a shift towards a more voluntary system is necessary to address human rights concerns and ensure genuine freedom for Eritrean citizens.