The Chinese government has affairmed it readiness to support Nigeria in her efforts to put an end to modern-day slavery.
The Cultural Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Li Xuda, gave the strong affirmation to mark the 2021World International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and Its Abolition, China.
The United Nations Education Scientific Cultural Organization, UNESCO at the event revealed that over 150million children are subject to child labour accounting for 1 in 10 children around the world, while 40million people worldwide are victims of modern-day slavery which includes minorities, migrants and indigenous people in the country.
Speaking on the theme ‘Modern Day Slavery, A National Question: Protecting the Future Generation’, Li Xuda said though the abolition of slavery happened long time ago, it ts practical significance in our modern-day society, adding that China is ready to work with Nigeria to protect the future generation against slavery.
“China is ready to work with Nigeria to fight against Modern Day Slavery and create a better future for our next generation.”
He noted that all hands must be on deck to stop curtail the menace of modern-day slavery as new forms of slavery keeps emerging in the contemporary times in concealed forms.
Xuda averred that it is mandatory to commemorate the International Day on August 23 every year especially for the sake of numerous brave people who gave their precious lives to the great fight against slavery.
“We should always remember and honour those slaves who suffered, fought, and died at the hands of the brutal slavery system as well as its abolition, always keep in mind the significance of commemorating the International Day.”
The Secretary-General NAT-COM UNESCO, Olagunju in a similar vain emphasized that slavery is not a subject that should be treated as history because of it continous manifestation today in the form of child labour, forced marriages, death bondage amongst others.
Quoting the International Labour Organization, Olagunju said “more than 40million people worldwide are victims of modern-day slavery which includes minorities, migrants and indigenous people in the country.”
He stressed the need for Nigeria to have a data base that would be readily available as it would go a long way in curbing the incidence of modern-day slavery, and menace while of slavery victims should be taken care of and empowered.
