Bangladesh urges global action to end slavery, oppression

Bangladesh has called for stronger global initiatives to eliminate slavery and oppression.

Foreign Minister Dr Khalilur Rahman made the call at a commemorative meeting of the UN General Assembly on 'Remembering the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade' held in New York on Wednesday, March 25.

He paid deep tribute to the millions of victims of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade and praised the indomitable spirit of courageous people who fought for freedom and justice.

Dr Khalilur Rahman said, "The transatlantic slave trade left a permanent stain on humanity." Reaffirming Bangladesh's unwavering stance against slavery, racism, genocide and all forms of oppression, he said, "The country's constitution rejects imperialism, colonialism, racism and discrimination and expresses strong solidarity with exploited peoples."

Noting that the 1926 Slavery Convention and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights adopted nearly 80 years ago recognise slavery as a grave human rights violation, the foreign minister said, "Although slavery has been formally abolished, its effects persist in social, economic and political structures today."

He emphasised the importance of preventing human trafficking, integrating digital forensics, and increasing investment in education systems and dialogue to address the human and civilisational costs of slavery and the slave trade. He called on the international community to unite in building a world where there is no place for slavery, discrimination or injustice, and where human dignity and justice are established.