Anti-Slavery International – Hope for Niger as government proclaims new era with ceremony ending slavery

Actually, the anti-slavery law was put into effect in May 2004 – making practising slavery punishable by up to 30 years in prison. The ceremony – hosted by the National Human Rights Commission – marks a first step in making the nomadic population — slaves and masters — aware of that slavery has been been considered an unlawful act for nearly a year.

“At least 43,000 people are in slavery across Niger. They are born into an established slave class and are made to do all labour required by their masters without pay, including herding, cleaning, moving their master’s tent to ensure he and his family are always in shade.”

“Slaves are inherited, given as gifts and their babies are taken away from their mothers once weaned. They are denied all rights and choice.”