"Breaking Free from Slavery"

Ms. Pillay
Ms. Shahinian
Ms. Murillo
Ladies and Gentlemen:

It is a pleasure to see you all at this exhibit which commemorates the 20^th anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations Voluntary Trust Fund on Contemporary Forms of Slavery. I especially thank the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights for organizing this special event.

Dear Colleagues:
Slavery is an abhorrent violation of human rights. And unfortunately, despite vast efforts by the international community, it is a practice that the United Nations is still working to eradicate in many parts of the world.

In 1926, the League of Nations, headquartered here in Geneva, adopted the Slavery Convention. This historic instrument marked the first international agreement dealing with human rights. Since that time, no less than seven human rights treaties, various International Labour Organization conventions, a United Nations Protocol on the Trafficking of Persons and OHCHR Principles and Guidelines have been established to define and prohibit slavery and slavery-like practices.

Yet these practices continue; and have re-emerged in new forms such as forced labour, the sale of children, sexual slavery, forced or early marriages, human trafficking and debt bondage. Almost all countries are touched by human trafficking today, either as a source of trafficked people, a transit point or as a destination.

It is for this reason that entities such as OHCHR and the Voluntary Trust Fund on Contemporary Forms of Slavery are so important. During the past 20 years, the Fund has supported the work of NGOs in assisting victims of slavery directly. It has channelled funds to those in most need of assistance – including children, women and minorities. It has provided invaluable services to people around the world through humanitarian, legal and financial assistance and programmes to help victims rebuild their lives.

Dear Colleagues:
These photographs truly exemplify both the stark reality of contemporary slavery and the commendable work that is being done through the Voluntary Trust Fund. As we reflect on this exhibit, let us reaffirm the strong commitment of the United Nations to prevent and eradicate slavery and other violations of human rights. Let us also reaffirm the dignity and worth of all human beings.

Thank you very much.