Top News Desk: The fundamental right to live a life free from subjugation is intrinsic to every individual. Yet, throughout epochs of human history, the flame of human liberty has been dimmed by the shadows of servitude. People have endured the chains of enslavement. Since 1948, August 23rd has held international significance as the day to remember and denounce the transgression of human bondage, as declared by UNESCO.
This date draws its resonance from an insurrection ignited in Saint Domingue, the Republic of Haiti, during the night spanning August 22nd to 23rd in 1791. This uprising was pivotal in catalyzing the end of the trans-Atlantic slave trade. Consequently, this day garners global observance. It was initially celebrated on August 23rd, 1998, in Haiti and then on August 23rd, 1999, on Goree Island, Senegal.
This worldwide observance aims to enlighten and sensitize the global community about the poignant history of enslavement. Its core objective is to foster awareness against the exploitation of the labor force, human trafficking, coerced matrimony and assault, sexual enslavement, and the utilization of children in armed conflicts.
Tracing back through the annals of human civilization, the inception of the first slave system can be traced to Mesopotamia around 4000 to 3000 BC. Over the span of a millennium, it extended to India through Egypt. Evidence points to the proliferation of slavery across the Indian subcontinent. Historical records indicate that Bengal’s Sultans imported slaves from Africa, Turkey, Persia, and China. Up until 1830, the Bengal market bore witness to the arrival of African, Habshi, and Kafris slaves.
Within Muslim society, male slaves were known as Golam or Nafar, while female slaves were referred to as Bandi or Laundi. Hindu and Muslim law saw the reprehensible practice of subjecting maidservants to sexual exploitation. In the early 19th century, the cost of aging and juvenile slaves ranged from 5 to 7 rupees, while the price for robust, young slaves varied between 20 to 50 rupees.
The latter half of the 19th century witnessed the ascendancy of humanitarian movements that unequivocally condemned and discarded the concept of slavery, leading to Bengal’s liberation from this abhorrent practice. However, the International Labour Organization asserts that despite the formal abolition of slavery, more than 12 million people still grapple with forced labor, modern-day enslavement, and affiliated exploitative practices.
Reported by: Habiba Sultana
It’s here if I’m not mistaken.
Take it easy!