International Day for the Abolition of Slavery Date in the current year: December 2, 2024

Many people think that slavery does not exist anymore. Officially, slavery is de jure illegal in all countries (Mauritania became the last country to officially abolish slavery in 1981). However, de facto practices akin to slavery (referred to as modern slavery or contemporary slavery) exist in the present day throughout the world. They include slavery by descent in Africa, debt bondage, forced migrant labor, sex slavery, early or forced marriage, and child labor.

International Day for the Abolition of Slavery was established to raise awareness of contemporary slavery. It focuses on eradicating modern forms of slavery and liberating over 20 million people who are currently trapped in slavery. On December 2, Member States, UN organizations, international organizations, NGOs, and other participants hold events and activities that focus on raising awareness of the main forms of modern slavery.