Monday 27 October 2008

Slavery Judgment Condemns Niger

Today’s Guardian has a fascinating artricle about a judgment of the Court of the Economic Community of West African States holding Niger responsible for slavery, which is still practiced in the country: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/oct/27/niger-slave-court.
According to the Court, Niger failed to protect a young girl, Hadijatou Mani, who was sold into slavery. The court ordered Niger state to pay her 10 million CFA francs (about Euro 12,000) in damages and accumulated interest. The Guardian says: ‘The ruling by the panel of judges from Senegal, Mali and Togo will bring hope to the more than 40,000 people being held as slaves in rural Niger and across the region.’
Thanks to Dr. Michael Kearney.

No comments: