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Det er en lidt "sjov" tanke, at vi nu skal sende hjælp til et land, som kun
halvhjertet har opgivet slaveriet for et par måneder siden? Mon slaverne får
deres del?


Dozens of slaves have been set free at a ceremony in Niger despite an
attempt by the local authorities to stop the event being reported.
The ceremony in Tahoua in central Niger was disrupted by police, who seized
equipment from journalists.

In May this year, acting under pressure Niger's parliament banned the
keeping or trading in slaves but the law has not been fully implemented.

Local human rights group say there are still some 20,000 slaves in Niger.

The BBC's Idy Baraou says Governor Ziti Maiga sought to prevent journalists
reporting on the ceremony, because he, along with many others in authority,
does not accept that slavery still exists in Niger.

However, our reporters says the former slaves shed tears of joy as they were
given certificates showing they were now free.

They were also given money to return to their homes.

According to a local anti-slavery organisation, Timidria, the victims are
usually aged between 14 and 25.

Males slaves are forced to work in farms and tender cattle, while women are
confined to domestic duties.

Castrated

The organisation says many female slaves are raped and subjected to other
forms of sexual abuse by their masters.

Men who disobey orders are flogged or in serious instances castrated.

The slave drivers mainly target the less educated and poor members of the
northern based tribes.

Freed slaves will now be able to move freely and will be allowed to own
property in Niger.


Se, islam er ved at blive helt moderne, også i Afrika !