The International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, observed annually on December 2, serves as a global call to action to combat modern forms of slavery. This day emphasizes the eradication of human trafficking, forced labour, and other contemporary forms of exploitation while promoting the fundamental rights and dignity of individuals.

History and Significance

The United Nations General Assembly established this day to mark the adoption of the Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and of the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others on December 2, 1949. This landmark resolution aimed to address human trafficking and exploitation globally.

According to the United Nations, the primary focus of this observance is to eliminate modern slavery, which includes:

• Trafficking in persons,
• Sexual exploitation,
• The worst forms of child labor,
• Forced marriage, and
• The forced recruitment of children in armed conflict.

What Is Slavery?

Slavery has evolved over centuries, manifesting itself in various forms across different regions. While traditional forms of slavery persist in some parts of the world, newer manifestations have emerged, driven by socio-economic inequalities, conflicts, and systemic discrimination.

Traditional forms of slavery include:

• Bonded labor: Individuals work to repay debts, often trapped in cycles of servitude.
• Descent-based slavery: Victims are born into slavery, with societal norms dictating their exploitation.

Contemporary forms of slavery include:

• Human trafficking: The recruitment and exploitation of individuals through coercion.
• Forced labor: Work performed under threat or without consent, often for no pay.
• Child labor: Exploitation of children in hazardous or degrading conditions.
• Sexual slavery: Enforced sexual exploitation, often linked to trafficking.

Forms of Modern Slavery

Amnesty International identifies six major categories of slavery:

1. Forced labor: People coerced to work against their will.
2. Sexual slavery: Involves trafficking and exploitation for commercial sexual activities.
3. Child labor: Encompasses work that deprives children of their childhood, education, or dignity.
4. Bonded labor: Victims are forced to work to repay unpayable debts.
5. Forced marriage: Individuals, especially women and girls, compelled into marriage.
6. Descent-based slavery: A hereditary system where people are born into servitude.

Global Statistics on Slavery

UN Report Highlights

• One in ten children globally is involved in labor, mostly for economic exploitation.
• Trafficking victims are often subjected to forced labor, sexual exploitation, and servitude.

Definition of Human Trafficking (UN Protocol):
Recruitment, transportation, and harboring of individuals using coercion for exploitation, including:

• Prostitution and sexual exploitation,
• Forced labor,
• Practices akin to slavery,
• Servitude, or
• Organ removal.

ILO Report 2021

• 27.6 million individuals were in forced labor globally.
• From 2016 to 2021, forced labor cases increased by 2.7 million.
• Asia-Pacific: Region with the highest number of cases (15.1 million).
• Forced labor sectors: Industry, services, agriculture, and domestic work account for 89% of cases.
• Private sector: Responsible for 86% of forced labor cases (63% labor exploitation, 23% sexual exploitation).

Modern Slavery in India

India has the highest number of modern slavery victims globally, with over 11 million people affected, according to the 2023 Global Slavery Index. Despite economic growth, systemic issues perpetuate the exploitation of vulnerable populations.

Forms of Slavery in India

• Brick kiln industry: Predominantly involves bonded labor, including women and children.
• Human trafficking: India is a source, destination, and transit country for trafficking victims.
• Child exploitation: Many children are trapped in hazardous labor or forced into prostitution.

Efforts to Combat Slavery

Global Initiatives

• The United Nations leads efforts through conventions, protocols, and observances to raise awareness and combat slavery.
• International bodies like ILO and Amnesty International work to address forced labor and trafficking.

India’s Measures

• Legal framework: Laws like the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976, and Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016 target slavery and exploitation.
• Anti-trafficking units: Special units set up across states to tackle trafficking cases.
• Rehabilitation programs: Government schemes focus on rehabilitating rescued victims of slavery.

International Day for the Abolition of Slavery: News Summary

Aspect	Details
Why in News	The International Day for the Abolition of Slavery is observed on December 2 to combat modern forms of slavery and promote human rights.
History & Significance	Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1949 to mark the adoption of the Convention on the Suppression of Human Trafficking and Exploitation of Prostitution. It focuses on eradicating modern slavery, including human trafficking, forced labor, and child exploitation.
Forms of Modern Slavery	– Human trafficking: Recruitment and exploitation of individuals through coercion. – Forced labor: Work under threat or unpaid. – Child labor: Deprivation of education and childhood. – Sexual slavery: Commercial sexual exploitation. – Forced marriage: Compulsion into marriage. – Descent-based slavery: Hereditary servitude.
UN Report on Slavery	– One in ten children globally is involved in labor. – 27.6 million people were in forced labor globally (2021). – The majority of cases involve Asia-Pacific (15.1 million). – Most forced labor occurs in the private sector (86%).
Slavery in India	– Highest global number of modern slavery victims, with 11 million people affected (2023 Global Slavery Index). – Predominantly seen in brick kilns, human trafficking, and child exploitation. – Deeply rooted in systemic inequalities and societal structures.
Global Initiatives	– UN efforts: Conventions and protocols to combat human trafficking and forced labor. – ILO Reports: Address global trends in forced labor and exploitation.
India’s Measures	– Legal Acts: Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976; Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 2016. – Special Units: Anti-trafficking units across states. – Rehabilitation Programs: Government schemes for rescued victims.

 

World AIDS Day, observed annually on December 1 since its inception in 1988, is a significant global event that brings together communities, organizations, and governments to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and demonstrate solidarity in the fight against this epidemic. It serves as a reminder of the progress achieved in prevention, treatment, and care while also highlighting the ongoing challenges. Recognized as a crucial international health observance, this day aims to promote understanding, reduce stigma, and commemorate the lives lost to AIDS. It also reflects on the role of combating HIV/AIDS in achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the Right to Health.

2024 Theme: “Take the rights path: My health, my right!”

The theme for World AIDS Day 2024, “Take the rights path: My health, my right!”, underscores the significance of human rights in combating HIV/AIDS. This year’s campaign emphasizes the necessity of ensuring equitable access to healthcare services and empowering individuals to exercise their right to health. It addresses systemic inequalities that limit access to HIV prevention, testing, and treatment services, particularly for vulnerable populations.

By adopting a rights-based approach, the 2024 campaign aims to:

• Foster inclusivity.
• Promote global cooperation.
• Reduce stigma and discrimination.

The theme aligns with the global goal of eradicating AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, advocating for comprehensive, community-led, and sustainable solutions.

History of World AIDS Day

World AIDS Day was first conceptualized in 1988 by James W. Bunn and Thomas Netter, two public information officers at the World Health Organization (WHO). Their initiative aimed to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS during its early outbreak.

Over the years, World AIDS Day has evolved into a platform to:

• Highlight the scientific advancements in fighting HIV/AIDS.
• Reflect on global and national policies.
• Advocate for the rights of people living with HIV (PLHIV).

This observance also pays homage to the lives lost to AIDS-related illnesses and reinforces the global commitment to addressing this public health challenge.

HIV/AIDS: A Global Perspective

Current Status Worldwide

According to the Global AIDS Update 2023 by UNAIDS:

There has been a global reduction in new HIV infections by 39% since 2010.

Countries worldwide are implementing strategies to meet the 95-95-95 goals, aiming for:

• 95% of HIV-positive individuals knowing their status.
• 95% of diagnosed individuals receiving sustained antiretroviral therapy (ART).
• 95% of those on treatment achieving viral suppression.

Despite progress, stigma, discrimination, and inequalities continue to impede efforts to eradicate AIDS.

HIV/AIDS in India: Achievements and Challenges

Epidemiology of HIV/AIDS in India

The India HIV Estimations 2023 report reveals:

• Over 2.5 million people are living with HIV in India.
• Adult HIV prevalence is at 0.2%, with new infections estimated at 66,400 annually.
• India has achieved a 44% reduction in annual new infections since 2010, outperforming the global average of 39%.

Key Interventions and Services

India has made notable strides in providing free, high-quality ART to 16.06 lakh PLHIV through 725 ART centers. Additionally, 12.30 lakh viral load tests conducted between 2022 and 2023 highlight the government’s commitment to ensuring access to essential care.

India’s Response to HIV/AIDS: Evolution of NACP

Early Efforts and Initiatives (1985-1991)

• India began its fight against HIV/AIDS in 1985 with sero-surveillance to detect the virus in various populations and geographies.
• Focus areas included blood safety and targeted awareness generation.

National AIDS and STD Control Programme (NACP)

The NACP, launched in 1992, marked a turning point in India’s systematic response to HIV/AIDS. Over the years, the program evolved in phases:

NACP Phase-I (1992-1999)

• Focus: Awareness creation and ensuring safe blood supplies.

NACP Phase-II (1999-2007)

• Introduction of targeted interventions for prevention, detection, and treatment.
• Capacity building at state levels.

NACP Phase-III (2007-2012)

• Scale-up of prevention, care, and treatment activities.
• Decentralized management reaching district levels.

NACP Phase-IV (2012-2017)

• Consolidation of earlier efforts with increased government funding.
• Launch of the HIV and AIDS (Prevention and Control) Act, 2017, ensuring equal rights for PLHIV and prohibiting discrimination.

NACP Phase-V (2021-2026)

• Budget: ₹15,471.94 crore.

Goals:

• Reduce annual new infections and AIDS-related mortalities by 80% (compared to 2010 baseline).
• Eliminate vertical transmission and HIV/AIDS stigma.
• Achieve the 95-95-95 targets.

Key Initiatives under NACP

Test and Treat Policy (2017)

Ensures free ART for all diagnosed individuals, regardless of clinical stage.

Mission Sampark (2017)

Aimed at re-engaging PLHIV who had discontinued treatment.

Multi-Month Drug Dispensation

Introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure continuity of ART services.

2024 and Beyond: Ending AIDS as a Public Health Threat

As India continues its efforts under NACP Phase-V, the focus remains on:

• Strengthening community-centered approaches.
• Integrating technology for program monitoring and capacity building.
• Partnering with public and private sectors for cost-effective service delivery.

The success of these strategies will play a pivotal role in achieving the global vision of an AIDS-free world by 2030.

World AIDS Day 2024: News Summary

Aspect	Details
Date	December 1, 2024
Theme	“Take the rights path: My health, my right!”
Objective	Raise awareness about HIV/AIDS, reduce stigma, and emphasize the role of human rights in healthcare access.
Focus Areas	– Ensuring equitable access to prevention, testing, and treatment services.
	– Promoting inclusivity and global cooperation.
	– Highlighting the importance of combating inequalities.
Global Perspective	– 39% reduction in new HIV infections since 2010.
	– Aiming for 95-95-95 targets: diagnosis, treatment, and viral suppression rates.
HIV/AIDS in India	– 2.5 million PLHIV, with adult prevalence at 0.2%.
	– New infections reduced by 44% since 2010 (global average: 39%).
	– Free ART for 16.06 lakh individuals through 725 ART centers.
NACP Phase-V (2021-2026)	– Budget: ₹15,471.94 crore.
	– Goals: Reduce new infections and mortalities by 80% (baseline: 2010).
	– Eliminate vertical transmission and HIV/AIDS-related stigma.
	– Achieve 95-95-95 targets and ensure universal STI/RTI services for at-risk populations.
Key Initiatives in India	– Test and Treat Policy: Free ART for all diagnosed individuals.
	– Mission Sampark: Re-engaging PLHIV who had discontinued treatment.
	– Multi-month drug dispensation and community-based ART refills introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Significance	– Reflects on achievements in combating HIV/AIDS globally and nationally.
	– Advocates for sustained efforts to meet the 2030 goal of ending AIDS as a public health threat.