Mauritania

           When people hear the word slavery, they usually think of the American Civil War, and that it happened a long time ago. However, it still goes on today. Mauritania, the last country to abolish slavery, did so in 1981. Yet, it is still generally  accepted, and ignored by the government and many people who live in rural areas. In fact, only one person has been convicted of practicing slavery, and many still continue doing it today. Think about that for a second. There are still people in slavery, people who aren't considered people, but property, and treated like it. And this isn't just a one in a million occurrence. In fact, it is estimated that up to 20% of the population in lives in slavery. These bonds however, aren't just physical, but also mental. Many people living in slavery believe that they are doing the right thing, that they are meant to be slaves, and inferior to their masters. Many are physically abused, and work long hours without pay, or much food. Isolation has only aided these slave masters, allowing them to escape prosecution, detection, or media coverage. With this isolation, slaves have not been able to see outside of the world of their surroundings, and haven't been able to break free. This isolation has also resulted in not many knowing about what's going on, and thus being oblivious to these terrible practices. Media coverage is almost non-existent in this part of the world, and often requests are blocked by the government. And to top it all off, the few activists who are trying to raise awareness are arrested, and imprisoned by the government. Still, there is hope. The modern practice of slavery cannot be condoned. If everyone works together, we can end this dark practice once and for all. To see what you can do, visit stoppingslavery.org. Together, we can change this world.