Human rights groups have criticised
Niger after it cancelled a special ceremony to free about 7,000 slaves.
The event was dropped at short notice after the government backtracked
and said slavery did not exist in Niger. Anti-Slavery International
urged the Niger government to accept slavery was a "serious problem"
and ensure slaves were made aware of their new rights. At least 43,000
people are thought to live in subjugation across Niger, which
officially banned slavery in May 2003. Representatives of slaves, the
government and human rights groups were due to attend the event at In
Ates, near the border with Mali. Timidria, Niger's anti-slave
organisation, is reporting that government intimidation prevented
slaves from attending the ceremony. Anti-Slavery International said it
has received reports about senior government officials warning slave
masters not to release their slaves officially. "It is very worrying to
hear the Niger government is now declaring that slavery does not exist
and of its intimidation of the population," said David Ould, deputy
director of Anti-Slavery International. Acting under pressure, Niger's
parliament made slavery punishable by up to 30 years in prison in May
2003. "The enactment of legislation that criminalises and penalises
slavery does not automatically mean it has been eliminated," said Mr
Ould. "It is vital the Niger government acknowledges that slavery is a
serious problem throughout the country and ensures that those in
slavery are made fully aware of the new law and released." [more]
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