Islamabad, Marking the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, the UN Secretary-General emphasized the need to address both the historic horrors and the contemporary manifestations of slavery. In a message disseminated by the UN Information Centre in Islamabad, the Secretary-General highlighted the plight of millions affected by the transatlantic slave trade and the estimated 50 million people currently trapped in modern slavery.

According to UN Information Centre-Islamabad, there is a growing demand to address the lingering impacts of slavery and colonialism. He urged nations to take proactive measures including acknowledging the truth, educating the public, issuing apologies, and providing reparations where appropriate. He also called on businesses and other entities to investigate and address any links they might have to enslavement and consider reparations.

The Secretary-General stressed the urgent need to legislate and protect the rights of victims to combat modern forms of slavery such as trafficking, debt bondage, and economic marginalization. He also emphasized the role of companies in ensuring their business practices respect human rights.

The message concluded with a call to collectively right historic wrongs and strive towards a world free from the atrocity of slavery.