UNITED NATIONS, March 25 (Xinhua) -- A Kenyan envoy to the United Nations (UN) reiterated on Monday the importance of safeguarding human dignity in the face of various forms of modern-day slavery.
Lazarus Amayo, the permanent representative of Kenya to the United Nations, made the remarks at the commemorative plenary meeting of the UN General Assembly to mark the International Day of the Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade.
Amayo said that observance of this day aims not only to raise awareness of contemporary forms of slavery, but also represents "an opportunity to strengthen our collective resolve to eradicate this scourge against humanity, from the face of the Earth."
At a meeting themed "Remember Slavery: The Power of the Arts for Justice," he said it is horrifying to read in recent media reports that in the 21st century, there are millions who are victims of forced labor, debt bondage, forced marriages and human trafficking.
All forms of bondage, be it unlawful recruitment and use of child soldiers, child prostitution, forced labor, denial to the right to education, sex trafficking, domestic servitude, descent-inherited bondage or early and forced marriage, are condemned in today's society, Amayo said.
The UN system along with member states must continue to publicize, educate and inform citizens of the existence and different forms of modern-day slavery and its consequences, especially on the most vulnerable groups, and of its dehumanizing impact on the entire human race, the Kenyan diplomat said.
