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December 2nd, 2013

Statement by Official Opposition on International Day for the Abolition of Slavery

Official Opposition Human Rights critic, Wayne Marston (Hamilton East – Stoney Creek) made the following statement on the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery:

“The International Day for the Abolition of Slavery reminds us that we must remain vigilant with regard to modern forms of slavery and do more to eradicate them.

Article 4 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights clearly states that slavery and the slave trade are prohibited in all their forms. Yet human trafficking, sexual exploitation, debt bondage and child soldiers are all examples of modern-day slavery.

The various levels of government and the private sector must work together to effectively address slavery so that these people can recover their rights and dignity.

Canada must defend human rights and condemn any violation no matter where it happens.

The NDP remains firmly committed to protecting human rights and building a fairer, greener, more prosperous country and world.”