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New website highlights global resistance to modern slavery
23 August 2007
In recognition of the anniversary of the Haitian revolution (the first successful uprising of slaves against their owners on the 23 August 1797), the World Development Movement is today launching its ‘Around the World in 80 protests’ microsite which takes people on a journey revealing the continuing popular resistance against modern forms of slavery.
Despite legislative freedom from enslavement and colonialism, new forms of slavery persist which are more subtle, less visible and becoming globalised. Examples include: people trafficking, child labour, debt bondage, and exploitative labour standards. The practical results are poverty, exploitation and misery.
‘Around the world in 80 protests’ reveals recent demonstrations and active resistance across the globe, largely ignored by mainstream media. These modern forms of slavery are perpetuated by multinational companies, international financing institutions and the unfair trading system.
Effie Jordan, World Development Campaigner said:
“Protests and resistance of those who were enslaved played a huge role in ending slavery. This is a fact that is too often forgotten; similarly the protests that happen across the world today by activists are rarely acknowledged. This website highlights the efforts to end modern day slavery and the exploitation of poor people.”
The ‘Around the world in 80 protests’ micro site can be found at www.wdm.org.uk/protests
ENDS
For more information or to arrange an interview or images, please contact:
Kate Blagojevic
Press officer, World Development Movement
0207 820 4900/4913, 07711 875 345, Email:
Notes to Editors
The World Development Movement campaigns to tackle the root causes of poverty. WDM believes that charity is not enough and aims to change the policies that keep the developing world poor. It is a democratic and politically independent organisation with 16,500 supporters and 70 local groups across the UK. For more information, go to www.wdm.org.uk
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