Sep 20, 2015

UNPO Launches International Campaign Against Slavery (iCAS)


On 29 January 2014, The Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO) launched its International Campaign Against Slavery (iCAS) in Nouakchott, Mauritania, by convening a high-level conference on the topic of contemporary slavery, bringing together politicians, civil society activists, partner organizations, academics and press.

UNPO’s aim, in coordination with citizens worldwide, is to demand the United Nations General Assembly for a strong and committed step towards ending the practice of slavery (and all its contemporary forms, such as forced labour and human trafficking), going further than the existing conventions, which have not been enforced.

Slavery is often erroneously believed to be a practice of the past, while, in fact, there are still an estimated number of 29.8 million enslaved people around the world. Therefore, the iCAS campaign also seeks to increase awareness about the topic of contemporary slavery: its roots, its causes, its forms, its victims, its consequences, and the ways forward to abolish it.

UNPO draws its strength in large part from its experience working with its Haratin member in Mauritania – the country with the highest proportion of slaves in the world – and with IRA (Initiative for the resurgence of the abolitionist movement), whose leader, Biram Dah Abeid, was awarded both the United Nations Human Rights Prize and the Front Line Defenders Award for human rights defenders at risk in 2013, in recognition of his efforts to end slavery in Mauritania.

Join UNPO’s struggle against slavery by signing our appeal to the UN, and keep abreast of our upcoming events and latest news about slavery by visiting the #iCAS website.

Find iCAS on Facebook and Twitter!

 

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LOGO DESIGN COMPETITION

We are excited to announce the winner of our logo competition!

The winner is: Ms Annemarie Decru

For her outstanding design, Annemarie will receive one of our official tote bags and a CD of music from minority cultures around the world. Her logo will be used on our website, social media, and in all publicity materials.

Congratulations, Annemarie!

Thank you to everyone who entered the competition, and everyone who supported us by spreading the word.

See our new logo above, on Facebook, Twitter and at wecanendslavery.org/wordpress!

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