Global debates intensify over slavery remembrance and modern exploitation

The International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition, observed on August 23, has highlighted ongoing global debates regarding slavery remembrance and modern exploitation. The commemoration marks the 1791 Saint-Domingue uprising, a pivotal moment in the struggle against the slave trade.

In the context of historical reparations, discussions focus on the disparity in compensation provided to former slaveholders. For instance, British slaveholders received £20 million in the 1830s, while enslaved individuals received nothing. This debate extends to how public institutions in the United States, France, and the Caribbean portray slavery in museums and school curricula.

Simultaneously, reports highlight contemporary issues of modern slavery. In Iran, women and girls face severe labour exploitation, human trafficking, and sexual exploitation due to discriminatory laws and lack of labour protections. Economic data from the Statistical Center of Iran indicates a significant gender gap, with women’s economic participation at 13.7 per cent in spring 2026, compared to 67.8 per cent for men.