Hold non-white slave owners accountable for past injustices
The Issue
For far too long, the narrative surrounding slavery has been overly focused on the actions of colonial powers like England, who abolished slavery on August 1, 1834. This narrow focus diverts attention from other regions where slavery was not only prevalent but persisted long after, casting a shadow over our collective progress towards equality and justice.
The country of Mauritania, a predominantly Arab-Berber nation, only abolished slavery in 1981, and shockingly, did not criminalize it until 2007. More importantly, it was only after significant international pressure that harsher penalties were established in 2015. Despite these efforts, the legacy of slavery continues to haunt the nation, where former slaves often face severe discrimination and have limited opportunities for advancement.
Slavery is a universal crime that has impacted people across the world, regardless of race or nationality. Yet, the enduring issue in Mauritania highlights a disturbing fact: that structures enabling slavery persisted long into the late 20th century and beyond among non-white communities. This historical oversight must be addressed openly and honestly.
The personal stories of former enslaved individuals in Mauritania are a harrowing reminder of the ongoing need for justice and recognition of these injustices. Over generations, countless women have suffered frequent sexual abuse and rape at the hands of their masters, a crime that has gone unpunished for far too long.
To the global community and international human rights organizations, we urge you to hold non-white slave owners, past and present, accountable for their actions. We call for a historical acknowledgment of the role that non-white nations played in perpetuating slavery and demand that these voices are heard.
Let us work towards a more comprehensive understanding of slavery, one that compels all nations to examine their histories and confront uncomfortable truths. It is only through such accountability that reconciliation and progress can genuinely begin.
Join us in this crucial fight for historical justice and equality. Sign this petition today to make a difference and help shine a light on an often overlooked chapter of our shared history.
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The Issue
For far too long, the narrative surrounding slavery has been overly focused on the actions of colonial powers like England, who abolished slavery on August 1, 1834. This narrow focus diverts attention from other regions where slavery was not only prevalent but persisted long after, casting a shadow over our collective progress towards equality and justice.
The country of Mauritania, a predominantly Arab-Berber nation, only abolished slavery in 1981, and shockingly, did not criminalize it until 2007. More importantly, it was only after significant international pressure that harsher penalties were established in 2015. Despite these efforts, the legacy of slavery continues to haunt the nation, where former slaves often face severe discrimination and have limited opportunities for advancement.
Slavery is a universal crime that has impacted people across the world, regardless of race or nationality. Yet, the enduring issue in Mauritania highlights a disturbing fact: that structures enabling slavery persisted long into the late 20th century and beyond among non-white communities. This historical oversight must be addressed openly and honestly.
The personal stories of former enslaved individuals in Mauritania are a harrowing reminder of the ongoing need for justice and recognition of these injustices. Over generations, countless women have suffered frequent sexual abuse and rape at the hands of their masters, a crime that has gone unpunished for far too long.
To the global community and international human rights organizations, we urge you to hold non-white slave owners, past and present, accountable for their actions. We call for a historical acknowledgment of the role that non-white nations played in perpetuating slavery and demand that these voices are heard.
Let us work towards a more comprehensive understanding of slavery, one that compels all nations to examine their histories and confront uncomfortable truths. It is only through such accountability that reconciliation and progress can genuinely begin.
Join us in this crucial fight for historical justice and equality. Sign this petition today to make a difference and help shine a light on an often overlooked chapter of our shared history.
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Petition created on September 14, 2026