News related to Haratin

Nov 02, 2023

Update on the Haratin and the celebrated advocacy of the IRA-Mauritania in the face of increased repression

Trends of increasing repression within Mauritania The IRA has published the concerning report of the transnational repression experienced by Youba Siby. Youba was kidnapped on the 15 September 2023 by the police authorities in Dakar, Senegal, of which he is a citizen, and transferred to Mauritanian officials in Nouakchott. He is now being prosecuted for denouncing slavery and racism in his country...

Nov 02, 2023

Update on the Haratin and the celebrated advocacy...

Mauritanian civil society and their human rights are currently under severe risk. In response, the Initiative for the Resurgence of the Abolitionist Movement (IRA-Mauritania), driven by the perseverance...

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Dec 27, 2022

Haratin: The repressive political climate in ...

RAG is the political party of the Initiative for the Resurgence of the Abolitionist Movement, known as IRA-Mauritania whose objective is to eradicate all forms of slavery, racism and corruption in Mauritania....

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Sep 26, 2022

Haratin : IRA-Mauritania Activists Imprisoned...

According the information received, the five detained, Messrs. Salma Dia, Ghamou Achour, Cheickh Vall, Hassan Mokhtar and Mohammed Ali, were deprived of food, sleep, and ability to change clothes or clean...

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May 09, 2022

Haratin : IRA-Mauritania President Biram Dah Abeid...

The Special Rapporteur and the President discussed various questions relating to the issue of modern slavery, including obstacles to surmount to achieve full citizenship rights for all castes that still...

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Mar 16, 2022

IRA Mauritania convenes antislavery movements...

In July 2020 the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO) and IRA Mauritania filed a report with the United Nations highlighting a worsening situation for civil and political liberties for...

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Oct 14, 2020

Haratin: Mauritania Criticized Ahead of UN UP...

The following is a transcript of the video statement delivered by the UNPO General Secretary: The UNPO is an international membership-based organization, whose members include the Initiave for the Resurgance...

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Jun 15, 2020

Haratin: Black Mauritanians Protest US Racial...

Below is an article published by Middle East Eye Few of those gathered outside the White House last Monday evening would have noticed Cherif Sanghott’s 12-year-old son, Abdoul, as he gently...

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May 06, 2020

Coronavirus: Distrust over Mauritania's Claims...

Below is an article published by Middle East Eye Just a day after marking the start of the holy month of Ramadan with a prayer for the lifting of the coronavirus pandemic, Mauritania's President Mohamed...

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Apr 16, 2020

Haratin: Release Mariem Mint Cheikh!

Below is a communication issued by IRA-Mauritania on the 14th of April which can be found here. Mauritanie : racisme, faux semblants et fatalité de l’histoire Le 11 avril 2020 Bouceif Ould...

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Feb 25, 2020

Mauritania Launches Defamation Campaign against...

The campaign contains anti-Semitic tropes that blames Jews for conspiring with Abeid. In particular, the posting from the Mauritanian intelligence community, which launched the campaign against Abeid,...

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Oct 04, 2019

Haratin: Head of State Consults Opposition Leader...

Below is an article published in French by: RFI Afrique En Mauritanie, le chef de l'État poursuit ses consultations avec les leaders de l’opposition. Il a longuement reçu lundi dernier,...

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Sep 17, 2019

Haratin: Belgian Chapter of IRA-Mauritania Prepares...

Below is a press statement issued by IRA Belgium in its original, French version:   Ghaya, 14 ans, en état de servitude héritée, mobilise les militants anti-esclavagistes de...

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Jul 04, 2019

Haratin: Hereditary Slavery Continues Despite...

Below is an article published by VOA: M’Barka Mint Yarba doesn’t know how old she is. Eight years ago, M’Barka moved with her family to the capital of Nouakchott from the city of Atar,...

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Jun 26, 2019

Compromised Spaces: Mauritania

In protest, four of the opposition candidates have officially challenged and dissociated themselves from the results. Amongst them, anti-slavery candidate and UNPO Member Biram Dah Abeid, who came in second...

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Feb 15, 2019

Timeline: Crackdown on Anti-Slavery Movement in...

  The current developments are particularly worrying due to the wide presence of modern-day slavery in Mauritania. According to the recently-published 2016 Global Slavery Index, there are over...

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Feb 07, 2019

Haratin: Biram Dah Abeid Awarded an Honorary Doctorate...

This press release was published by IRA Mauritania in Belgium:   C’est en février 2017 que l’assemblée générale du Conseil des étudiants STURA a vu...

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Nov 30, 2018

Communiqué de Presse de l'IRA Mauritanie...

Le communiqué ci-dessous a été publié par IRA Mauritanie:   Cette journée internationale commémore l’adoption le 2 décembre 1949 par l’Assemblée...

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Nov 14, 2018

Haratin: US to End Trade Benefits for Mauritania...

The article below was published by Thomson Reuters Foundation News: Day after day, Aminetou Mint Yarg and her fellow villagers in southern Mauritania haul water from the river and tend to their crops...

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Oct 24, 2018

Mauritania: Economic Agreement with the European...

The article below was published by La Libre:   La politique européenne appuie un régime de ségrégation raciale pour des raisons commerciales. Stop !   Une opinion...

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Oct 18, 2018

Press Release: Mauritanian Authorities Guilty...

Mauritania, ruled by President Aziz, is currently going through a serious political crisis, as arbitrary and politically-motivated arrests and criminal proceedings continue being carried out and become...

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Oct 10, 2018

Haratin: Police Brutality Breaks Out Amidst Peaceful...

The report below In French, published by Au secours des Haratine: SOS-Abolition: INITIATIVE DE RÉSURGENCE DU MOUVEMENT ABOLITIONNISTE EN MAURITANIE (IRA-Mauritanie) Le lundi 08 octobre, à...

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Oct 05, 2018

Choice of Nobel Peace Prize Laureates Acknowledges...

The choice of the 2018 Nobel Peace Prize Laureates came in a year that has been marked by repeated calls for women’s empowerment throughout the world. Dr Denis Mukwege and Ms Nadia Murad’s...

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Sep 18, 2018

The UNPO�s Extraordinary...

  The English and French versions of the resolution are available below.   RESOLUTION We, the UNPO General Assembly: Expresses its strong preoccupation in the face of the arbitrary detention,...

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Sep 07, 2018

Haratin: Anti-Slavery Activist Biram Dah Abeid...

The below article was published by The Independent:   Biram Dah Abeid was woken with a shock at 5.30am by police, who took him to a squalid, windowless prison cell at the station. But he wasn’t...

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Sep 04, 2018

Haratin: 690 Votes for the Liberation of Biram...

The communiqué below (in French) was published by IRA Mauritanie: A Bruxelles et à Paris, ce 1er septembre [2018], pratiquement 2 personnes par minute ont demandé la libération...

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Aug 29, 2018

Haratin: Peaceful Mobilisation for Biram Dah Abeid’s...

The article below (in French) was published by bx1: La gare centrale de Bruxelles sera samedi [1er septembre 2018] le théâtre d’une action pacifique pour réclamer la libération...

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Aug 07, 2018

UPDATED: Anti-Slavery Activist Biram Dah Abeid...

More than 29 million people live in some form of enforced servitude in the world today, but nowhere is slavery as prevalent as in Mauritania, even though, on paper, the country criminalized slavery with...

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Jul 25, 2018

Briefing at US Congress Raises Awareness for Persistence...

Following an introduction by UNPO’s US Programme Coordinator, human rights and environmental lawyer Alice Bullard opened the discussion by providing an overview of the issue globally, highlighting...

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Jul 24, 2018

Briefing: The Struggle for the Eradication of...

Slavery is accepted in many circles as a horror that humanity has fortunately left in the past. In fact, slavery continues to be practiced in many modern societies with minimal recognition and inadequate...

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Jul 20, 2018

Haratin: Two Anti-Slavery Activists Released by...

Abdellahi Matalla Saleck and Moussa Bilal Biram were arrested together with 11 other activists in July 2016, all of whom were sentenced to serve between three and 15 years in prison for their involvement...

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Jul 02, 2018

Haratin: IRA Calls French President to Take Action...

  This article was originally published by Géopolis:   C’est par une lettre ouverte que le mouvement anti-esclavagiste mauritanien (IRA) s’est adressé au président...

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Jun 18, 2018

Haratin: Photographer Seif Kousmate Arrested in...

  The article below was published by Newsweek. The Mauritanian government doesn’t want you to know that 10 to 20 percent of its people are enslaved. Officials don’t want you to think...

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Jun 12, 2018

Haratin: The Caste System and the Journeys of...

The article below was published by The Guardian. Due to copywrite laws, UNPO suggests you follow the links in order to view photos of each individual journey. In 1981, Mauritania made slavery illegal,...

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May 14, 2018

UN Reports on Slavery and Human Rights Violations...

In its report, the CERD underlines that Mauritania does not abide by the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (ICERD), which it has signed in 1966 and ratified...

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May 04, 2018

PRESS RELEASE: Mauritania Under the CERD's...

Below is a press release published by the Initiative for the Resurgence of Abolitionism in Mauritania's European sections (in French):  Les 1er et 2 mai, aux Nations unies à Genève,...

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Apr 11, 2018

Haratin: US Congress Condemns IMF Loan to Mauritania...

The article below was originally published by CAJnewsAfrica Casablanca — IN language rarely seen among nations, some of Donald Trump's closest allies have attacked an International Monetary Fund...

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Feb 23, 2018

Haratin: Human Rights Watch Publishes Report on...

Mauritania’s population is quite heterogenous; questions of caste and ethnicity lie at the source of many of the country’s most deep-rooted and sensitive human rights problems. This report...

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Feb 21, 2018

Haratin: Peaceful IRA March Met With Police Violence...

The article below was published by Mondafrique: Dans le cadre de ses activités pacifiques, le mouvement populaire et anti esclavagiste IRA a organisé une marche dans la région de...

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Jan 30, 2018

Haratin: African Union Pressures Mauritania to...

  The article below was published by The Guardian:  The African Union has reprimanded Mauritania for failing to take action against widespread slavery within its borders and...

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Jan 17, 2018

Haratin: New Wave of Arrests during a Pacific...

  The press release below (in French) was published by C.RI.DE.M: IRA-Mauritanie a prévu de sortir dans une marche pacifique lundi 15 janvier 2018 arborant les photos des victimes d'exécutions...

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Jan 12, 2018

UNPO and UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention...

In June and July 2016, Amadou Tidjani Diop, Ahmed Hamar Vall, Hamady Lehbouss, Mohamed Daty, Balla Touré, Moussa Biram, Khatry Rahel, Mohamed Jaroulah, Abdallahi Matala Saleck and Abdallah Abou...

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Jan 05, 2018

Haratin: IRA Protest Brutally Shut down by Mauritanian...

  The article below was published by Radio France Internationale in French: En Mauritanie, l'ONG anti-esclavagisme Initiative de résurgence du mouvement abolitionniste (IRA) dénonce...

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Jan 05, 2018

Haratin: IRA Protest Brutally Shut down by Mauritanian...

  The article below was published by Radio France Internationale in French: En Mauritanie, l'ONG anti-esclavagisme Initiative de résurgence du mouvement abolitionniste (IRA) dénonce...

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Nov 13, 2017

Haratin: Social Exclusion and Poverty Facing Those...

  The article below was published by World Politics Review: Maatalla Mboirick’s home sits a few hundred meters off the main road of this desert city, past high mounds of orange sand. It is...

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Oct 03, 2017

Haratin: Slavery Continues to be a Deep-Rooted...

The article below was published by: 9News Slavery has long been seen as a crime of antiquity, with the United States ending the slave trade in the 1860s. But slavery is such an ingrained part of life...

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Sep 20, 2017

Success for UNPO and AVOCAN “Education Spells...

In the district of Tarhil, as in many other underprivileged ones across Nouakchott and Mauritania, children often lack access to education. Teachers tend to not come to school, or not frequently enough...

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Sep 15, 2017

Biram Dah Abeid Shares Thoughts on Importance...

  Please find below the interview conducted by Minds of the Movement and UNPO: Can you describe your journey of becoming involved in civil resistance? Was there a key moment that compelled you to...

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Sep 13, 2017

Haratin: US Anti-Slavery Activists Denied Entry...

  The article was published by MenaFN:   Twelve anti-slavery activists from the United States have been denied entry to Mauritania, the country's government announced on Sunday [10 September...

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Aug 04, 2017

Biram Dah Abeid Injured during Protests in No...

Below is a press release published by the European coordination of IRA Mauritanie (in French): Lors des manifestations de ce 3 août à Nouakchott contre le projet de référendum...

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Jul 26, 2017

IRA Europe Denounces Confiscation of Biram Dah...

Below is a press release published by the European coordination of IRA Mauritania (in French):  Le 19 juillet dernier, après une tournée de sensibilisation en Europe et aux Etats Unis,...

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Jul 05, 2017

Mauritania: New Documentary Film on Slavery and...

  The article below was published by Equal Times:   “Our freedom, our dignity, will never be truly and fully achieved until there are no more slaves in this country.” Taken out...

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Jun 27, 2017

Haratin: Acclaimed Mauritanian Activist Biram...

  Below is an article published by CNN: A modest office block squeezed between a doctor's surgery and a south London housing project is an unlikely setting to find a man described on Time's most...

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May 22, 2017

IRA Mauritania in Belgium Stands Up Against S...

Below are some photos taken during the event:

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May 20, 2017

March of Antislavery Activists of IRA

Below is a press release in French by IRA Mauritania in Belgium: MARCHE DES ANTI-ESCLAVAGISTES DE L’IRA SAMEDI 20 MAI à 11H00 BRUXELLES, PORTE DE NAMUR (SQUARE DU BASTION) Pour la libération...

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May 08, 2017

Haratin: Arrest of IRA Leaders Part of Renewed...

Below is a press release published by IRA: Le régime en place en Mauritanie a procédé cet après-midi du mardi 02 mai 2017 à l’arrestation de membres dirigeants...

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Apr 25, 2017

Biram Dah Abeid on TIME’s 2017 List of 100 Most...

Biram Dah Abeid was born in 1965 in the Mauritanian village of Jidrel Mohguen in Rosso, Trarza. Both of his parents were born into slavery. His father Dah eventually escaped from slavery, but poverty forced...

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Apr 10, 2017

Haratin

  OVERVIEW  At present, half of Mauritania’s Haratin population exists as de facto slaves. Traditionally, the Haratin men work in the farmland, whilst Haratin women...

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Mar 16, 2017

IRA Delegation to Washington DC Discusses Slavery...

During his 7-day visit to Washington, DC in March 2017, Mr. Biram Dah Abeid met with Members of the US Senate, representatives of international human rights organizations, as well as experts of various...

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Mar 10, 2017

Haratin: Women Prime Victims of Slavery and Sexual...

  The article below was published by The Huffington Post: Slavery. Perhaps one of the worst phenomena occurring on this earth at this time. No freedom to make choices in your life. No ability...

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Mar 09, 2017

Education Spells Freedom... With Your Support...

For French and other languages, see column on the right. In 2016, the project “From Slavery to Success! Read, Write and Smile” was initiated by the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization...

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Feb 21, 2017

Haratin: Germany Denies Entry to Mauritanian LGBT...

  The article below was published by Erasing 76 Crimes: German embassies have repeatedly stymied the LGBT support group Hamiam when it invites LGBT activists for training in Cologne, Germany. One...

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Feb 02, 2017

Haratin: Biram Dah Abeid in France for the 223rd...

  The following article (in French) was published by Mémoires et Partages:   Ce samedi 4 février, le militant anti-esclavagiste Mauritanien invité du 223e anniversaire...

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Jan 30, 2017

Haratin: Upcoming Final Verdict on Execution of...

The article below was published by the Africa Times: A final ruling is expected next week in the case of a Mauritanian blogger who faces execution on apostasy charges – a verdict that has now been...

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Jan 17, 2017

Haratin: Mauritanian Blogger on Death Row for...

  The following article was published by Newsweek: In the dusty Mauritanian capital of Nouakchott, thousands of protesters armed with loudspeakers gathered outside the country’s Supreme...

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Dec 10, 2016

Democracy and Rule of Law Are Human Rights

  On international Human Rights Day, UNPO reiterates its commitment to the promotion of democracy, rule of law, and human rights everywhere. The first United Nations Forum on Human Rights, Democracy...

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Nov 29, 2016

UNPO Side-event to UN Minority Forum Highlights...

  In his opening remarks, Marino Busdachin, General Secretary of UNPO, shed a light on the fact that since the independence of East Timor, the UN has failed to advance the fulfilment of the right...

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Nov 21, 2016

Haratin: 10 out of 13 Imprisoned IRA-Mauritania...

  The following article was published in Middle East Eye: Ten Mauritanian anti-slavery activists were on Friday [18 November 2016] handed their freedom in a partial appeal court victory that left...

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Nov 15, 2016

Haratin: Appeal of Imprisoned IRA-Mauritania Anti-slavery...

To access the article published by Al-Monitor, please click here.

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Oct 31, 2016

Haratin: Biram Dah Abeid in Conference with Mauritanian...

  The following article was adapted from a press release by IRA-Belgique: Le 30 octobre 2016 s’est tenue à Bruxelles une conférence organisée par la section IRA- Belgique...

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Oct 27, 2016

Haratin: Anti-Slavery Activists Welcome African...

Below is an article published by Minority Rights Group International: The hearing today [27 October 2016] by the African Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC), of the case...

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Oct 21, 2016

Haratin: UN Announces Fact-Finding Mission on...

  Below is an article published by Cridem: Une délégation du Sous comité pour la Prévention de la Torture (SPT), un mécanisme indépendant affilié...

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Oct 20, 2016

Haratin: UN Experts Concerned about Situation...

The following article was published by the United Nations OHCHR: GENEVA (19 October 2016) – A group of United Nations human rights experts* today expressed serious concern that Mauritanian activists...

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Oct 04, 2016

Haratin: Vice-President of IRA-Mauritania Writes...

  The article below was published by Jeune Afrique: An English translation is also available here. L’image est archaïque et semble venue d’une époque révolue. Des...

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Oct 01, 2016

From Slavery to Success... 10 months later

In December 2015, UNPO launched a charity appeal to raise funds for Haratin children called ‘From Slavery to Success: Read, Write and Smile’. Slavery is still rife in Mauritania, and freed...

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Sep 30, 2016

Haratin: IRA-Mauritania in Belgium Protest Outside...

  On 28 September 2016, members of the Haratin community and supporters of the fight against slavery met outside the Mauritanian Embassy in Brussels to protest the imprisonment of 13 anti-slavery...

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Sep 26, 2016

EU Annual Report on Human Rights and Democracy...

In addition to a focus on the urgent theme of migration and refugees, which has affected Europe throughout the past years, some of the main world-wide challenges identified in the Annual Report of 2015...

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Sep 01, 2016

Haratin: Biram Dah Abeid Condemns Arrest of Fellow...

  Below is an interview published by Liberation:   Une nouvelle fois, des membres d’IRA (Initiative de résurgence du mouvement abolitionniste) ont été condamnés...

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Aug 25, 2016

Haratin: Mauritania’s Status as the Last Bastion...

The article below is published by Okay Africa   Mauritania is considered the world’s last bastion of slavery, although there are clandestine operations around the world. It’s believed...

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Aug 23, 2016

UNPO Roundly Condemns Mauritanian Crackdown on...

Only weeks after the release of IRA President Biram Dah Abeid and Vice-President Brahim Bilal Ramdhane, the Mauritanian authorities have unleashed a new wave of brutal repression to silence anti-slavery...

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Aug 22, 2016

Haratin: US Condemns Mauritanian sentencing of...

The article below is published by Yahoo.com The United States on Saturday condemned Mauritania's imprisonment and alleged torture of protesters, including anti-slavery activists. A court in the west African...

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Aug 19, 2016

Haratin: IRA Anti-Slavery Activists Receive Harsh...

  The press release below was published by Anti-Slavery International. Attached is also a press release by IRA Mauritanie en Belgique. Anti-Slavery International said today that imprisoning anti-slavery...

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Aug 18, 2016

Biram Dah Abeid Speaks to BBC: Slavery in Mauritania...

This podcast is courtesy of BBC World Service - Outlook I lived in a family of former slaves. My mother gave birth not in a hospital, but with the help of the women of the village. My family made an income...

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Aug 11, 2016

Haratin: Criminal Tribunal Forces IRA Activists...

Photo courtesy of Cridem Below is an article by Cridem: La Cour criminelle a usé de la force pour extraire de la maison d’arrêt de Dar Naïm et faire comparaître, ce mardi...

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Aug 04, 2016

Haratin: Trial of Anti-Slavery Activists Called...

  Below is an article published by Haratine Le fameux  faux procès contre les cadres  militants IRA-Mauritanie qui s’est ouvert ce 03 Aout 2016 tourne au fiasco pour le système...

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Jul 28, 2016

Haratin: Congressman Issues Statement on Detained...

  Below is an article published by US House of Representatives, Committee on Foreign Affairs: Representative Eliot L. Engel, Ranking Member of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, today [15 July...

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Jul 26, 2016

Haratin: Detained Members of the Initiative for...

  Below is an article published by FIDH According to information received, Abdallahi Matallah Seck, Balla Touré, Amadou Moussa Biram and Tidjane Diop were victims of torture and ill-treatment....

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Jul 12, 2016

Interview with Biram Dah Abeid on Recent Arrests...

  Below is an interview to Mr Biram Dah Abeid published by Journal Nouakchott: Biram Dah Abeid pour le journal electronique Nouakchott.com : Les autorités ont fabriqué des accusations...

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Jul 11, 2016

Haratin: National Mechanism for Prevention of...

  Photo courtesy of Cridem. Below is an article published by Cridem:  Le 28 juin et suite aux événements dans la gazra (bidonville) en face de l’hôpital ophtalmologique...

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Jul 07, 2016

Haratin: Mauritanian Security Forces Conducts...

Below is an article published by North Africa Post The riots started when security forces stormed slump dwellings occupied for decades by the Haratin ethnic group, many of them former slaves. The authorities...

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Jul 04, 2016

UNPO Strongly Condemns IRA Leaders’ Arrests...

Photo courtesy of haratine.blogspot.be/. On 29 June, Mauritanian authorities harshly repressed the population in Gazra Bouamatou after the local residents opposed resistance to being forcefully deported...

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Jul 01, 2016

Haratin: Biram and Brahim Among 2016 TIP Hero...

  Photo courtesy of Senator Paul Strass. The Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (US Department of State) published a profile of its 2016 Mauritania Heroes:  The partnership...

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Jun 10, 2016

Haratin: Still a Long Walk to Freedom

  Below is an article published by the Roads & Kingdoms/Slate:  Essatim Mint M’Barka must have been about 15 years old when she became pregnant by her “daddy.” Not that...

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Jun 09, 2016

Haratin: Slavery Major Obstacle to Mauritania’s...

  Below is an article published by Morocco World News:  The Islamic Republic of Mauritania, Morocco’s southern neighbour, is undergoing drastic changes. With a population of 3.89 million...

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Jun 03, 2016

Haratin: Biram Dah Abeid Looks Ahead To 2019 Mauritanian...

Below is an article published by Bawosophma News: After a year and a half in prison, the Mauritanian anti-slavery activist was released, and he has now to prepare his candidacy for the presidential election...

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May 24, 2016

Haratin: Two Slave-Owners Sentenced to Prison

  Photo courtesy of the Guardian. Below is an article published by the Guardian: Anti-slavery campaigners in Mauritania say two court victories last week could be significant in the fight against...

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May 19, 2016

Haratin: UN Secretary General Welcomes Release...

  Below is an article published by the UN News Centre: United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has welcomed the release of human rights activists Biram Dah Abeid and Brahim Ould...

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May 18, 2016

Mauritanian Anti-Slavery Activists Finally Released...

Biram and Brahim, who are President and Vice-President of IRA-Mauritania respectively, have been for years at the forefront of the fight against slavery in Mauritania. Biram has represented the Haratin...

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Apr 28, 2016

Activists Gather for Biram Dah Abeid's Release...

Despite the Mauritanian government’s adoption of a roadmap to combat slavery in 2014, disappointingly the barbaric practice remains, with political will to implement the roadmap seemingly lacklustre...

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Apr 27, 2016

Haratin: Biram Dah Abeid Writes Open Letter from...

  Modern-day slavery is still very much present in the Islamic Republic of Mauritania. To this day, individual identity is attached to hereditary and caste lines, thus keeping slavery in place. Despite...

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Apr 26, 2016

IRA-Mauritania to Receive International Award...

  The following is a press release from Initiative de Resurgence du Mouvement Abolitionniste en Mauritanie: Another International Award for the IRA’s Peaceful Struggle The main leaders of...

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Apr 04, 2016

Haratin: Mauritanian Government Claims Anti-Slavery...

  Photo courtesy of The Globe and Mail. Below is an article published by The Globe and Mail:   Habi Mint Rabah was born a slave. She tells her story calmly, without self-pity: how her mother...

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Mar 25, 2016

UNPO Side-Event in Geneva Underlines Mauritania’s...

Mr Hanno Schedler, from the Society of Threatened Peoples, opened the conference by providing the audience with an overview on the current human rights situation in Mauritania, especially that of the Haratin...

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Mar 16, 2016

UNPO Announces UNHRC Side-Event - Slavery in Mauritania:...

Mauritania became the last country in the world to abolish slavery in 1981, and captured the world’s attention by officially criminalising it only in 2007, following significant international pressure....

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Mar 15, 2016

IRA-Mauritania Protest in Brussels

After consistent international pressures against hereditary slavery in Mauritania, which was only abolished in 1981 and criminalised in the 2000s, the Mauritanian government published, on 6 March 2014,...

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Mar 15, 2016

Haratin: Mauritania to Ratify UN Protocol on Ending...

  Below is an article published by Reuters: Mauritania has vowed to ramp up its fight against slavery, becoming the second African country to approve a United Nations treaty designed to give countries...

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Mar 07, 2016

Haratin: UN SG Courts Mauritanian Leadership and...

  Below is a press release published by UN News Centre:  With a “triple peril” of environmental degradation, poverty and insecurity facing the Sahel, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon...

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Feb 12, 2016

Biram Dah Abeid’s Wife and Colleague Raise Awareness...

  A Haratin delegation from Mauritania visited Brussels on 8 and 9 February to raise further awareness about the situation of their community in the European institutions. This trip was part of a...

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Feb 09, 2016

Haratin: Enrolment in School and University Denied...

  Below is an article published by Cridem   Dans les textes, tous les Mauritaniens sont égaux en droits et en devoirs. Dans les faits, c’est hélas encore loin d’être...

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Jan 20, 2016

Haratin: Anti-slavery Activists Facing Harsh Government...

  Below is an article published by The Guardian: Protestors marking the one-year anniversary of the conviction and imprisonment of Mauritania’s leading anti-slavery activists are facing...

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Dec 17, 2015

From Slavery To Success! Read, Write and Smile...

At UNPO, we believe that the answer to that question is absolutely yes. That is why we are launching our project ‘From Slavery to Success! Read, Write and Smile’. We are hoping...

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Dec 11, 2015

IRA-Mauritania Receives Human Rights Tulip Aw...

Mauritania criminalised slavery in the landmark 2007 Anti-Slavery Law. In spite of this criminalisation, slavery is still rife and about 20% of Mauritania’s 3.5 million residents are affected by...

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Dec 04, 2015

Haratin: MFWA Calls on Mauritania to Open Up to...

The Media Foundation for West Africa (MFWA) joins the world in observing the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery on December 2. In order to abolish slavery in practice, the MFWA calls on Mauritania...

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Dec 03, 2015

Haratin: UNPO & IRA-Mauritanie Speak at European...

Mr Merzough spoke about the hypocrisy with which the Mauritanian government responds to slavery; allowing the problem to go on unchecked and unacknowledged within Mauritania, while claiming in international...

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Dec 03, 2015

Haratin: Africa Needs to Condemn Slavery in M...

Below is a letter in French by the founder and president of Anges d’Afrique published by Actusen: Au 21eme siècle un état situé en Afrique de l’ouest entre l’océan...

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Nov 02, 2015

Haratin: Scandal of Human Trafficking Covered...

  Below is in article published by Cridem.org:   DuneVoices - L’histoire de Salka a commencé au mois d’avril dernier lorsqu’on rapporta l’ouverture des inscriptions...

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Oct 20, 2015

UNPO and IRA-Mauritania Raise Haratin Plight at...

Mr Merzough explained in detail the situation of the Haratin people. Originating from a caste-based system of social hierarchy, the word ‘haratin’ literally translates as ‘slave’....

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Aug 21, 2015

UNPO Condemns Appeal Rejection for Biram Dah ...

Dah Abeid and Ramdhane are President and Vice-President, respectively, of IRA-Mauritania, one of the most important anti-slavery groups operating in the country today. Along with his colleague, Biram Dah...

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Aug 19, 2015

Haratin: Anti-Slavery Campaigners Skeptical over...

Minority Rights Group International (MRGI) and Anti-Slavery International welcomed the adoption of a new anti-slavery law in Mauritania but said that it will be worthless if it is not implemented. Slavery...

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Jul 31, 2015

Haratin: IRA Accuses Mauritanian Justice System...

IRA President, Biram Dah Abeid, and Vice President, Brahim Bilal Ramdane, were arbitrarily arrested, tried and imprisoned, for simply denouncing the injustice concerning slavery. They were subsequently...

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Jul 07, 2015

Haratin: IRA-Mauritania Condemns Slave Arrest...

  Below is the press release on the matter published by Initiative for the Resurgence of the Abolitionist Movement in Mauritania (IRA):   Despite its whole Directorate being behind bars, the...

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May 15, 2015

“Only With Biram Can We Move Forward” Mauritanian...

Although protest brought together IRA-Belgium activists of Moor, Fula and Haratin descent, the IRA-Belgium President, Mr Abdel Wahab Jeddou, regrets that some Mauritanians of Moor origin still find it...

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Apr 17, 2015

Mauritanian Diaspora Call for Release of Activists...

The demonstrators denounced the arbitrary arrests of anti-slavery activists in Mauritania and the daily human rights violations taking place in the country. In addition, while expressing their gratitude...

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Mar 25, 2015

UNPO Concludes Fact-Finding Mission to Mauritania:...

  The delegation, consisting of UNPO representatives Ms Johanna Green and Ms Iva Petkovic, first met the Mauritanian Commissioner for Human Rights and Humanitarian Action, who leads the Commissariat...

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Mar 18, 2015

Mauritania: Mariem Mint Cheikh Dieng "Honorary...

  Below is an article published by Biram Dah Abeid La section d’IRA-Italie a organisé de nombreuses activités pour réclamer la libération de la militante antiesclavagiste,...

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Mar 11, 2015

Free Biram! UNPO Presidency issues urgent appeal...

The UNPO Presidency implores the Mauritanian Government immediately to release and pardon Biram Dah Abeid and his fellow activists, who were arrested during peaceful anti-slavery protests on 11 November...

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Mar 10, 2015

UNPO Demands Immediate Release of IRA Anti-Slavery...

They were sentenced to two years in prison after being formally charged with being members of an unauthorised organisation, violating public order, inciting violence and offending the authorities. These...

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Mar 04, 2015

Haratin: Imprisoned Activists End Hunger Stri...

Photo courtesy of biramdahabeid.com Below is an article by biramdahabeid.com: Après trois longs jours de grève de la faim et en dépit des mesures d’isolement strict, les détenus...

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Feb 24, 2015

UNPO Issues Press Release Following Hunger Strike...

On 11 February 2015, the three activists issued an ultimatum (available in English, French and Arabic) to the Public Prosecutor declaring that they would pursue peaceful means of protest...

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Feb 20, 2015

Mauritanian Diaspora Demonstrate outside European...

The demonstration followed the release of an open letter sent to the Mauritanian government by imprisoned activists Biram Dah Abeid, Brahim Bilal Ramdhan and Jibril Mamadou Sow. The letter called for the...

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Feb 13, 2015

Haratin: Protesters Demonstrate for the Release...

  Read also UNPO’s update regarding recent developments of Biram Dah Abeid’s imprisonment. Below is an article published by News Time Africa: Hundreds of Mauritanians staged a protest...

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Jan 20, 2015

Haratin: US State Department and Congressman Call...

Below are the statements released on 16 January 2015: US Department of State The United States is closely following the legal proceedings against Biram Ould Dah Ould Abeid, President of the Initiative...

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Jan 15, 2015

UNPO Condemns Verdict Sentencing Biram Dah Abeid...

  The activists had been charged with inciting violence, disturbing public order, offending members of the authorities and being members of an unregistered organization. The Mauritanian gendarmerie...

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Jan 07, 2015

Free Biram: Court Verdict Expected on 15 January...

Across Europe politicians came out in support of the arrested activists. Charles Tannock MEP and Mark Demesmaeker MEP, for instance, submitted a priority parliamentary question to the EU’s High Representative...

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Jan 06, 2015

A Look at Mauritania's Troubled History of...

  Below is an article published by the Middle East Eye:   Biram Dah Ould Abeid has been called the Mauritanian Nelson Mandela, “Le Spartacus Mauritanien”. The 2013 United...

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Dec 18, 2014

European Parliament Overwhelmingly Approves Resolution...

Thursday’s debate in the plenary featured an array of high-profile speakers, such as Human Rights Subcommittee Vice-President Barbara Lochbihler MEP (Greens/EFA, Germany), EPP coordinator on the...

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Dec 12, 2014

Free Biram: UNPO Greatly Welcomes Announcement...

This news, coming exactly one month after Mr Abeid was arrested with his colleagues at a peaceful demonstration in the town of Chgara, is the culmination of weeks of advocacy, which have also seen a priority...

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Nov 13, 2014

UNPO Calls For Immediate Release of Biram Dah...

  The activists were campaigning with the Caravan of Liberty in the town of Chgara when the Mauritanian gendarmerie, on the orders of the local Wali, used tear gas and stun grenades to stop them....

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Sep 04, 2014

"Biram Frees": A Look at the Life, Work...

Below is an article published by The New Yorker outlining the life and work of Biram Dah Abeid: Two springs ago, Biram Dah Abeid arrived home in Nouakchott, the desert capital of Mauritania. At the airport,...

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Sep 04, 2014

"Biram Frees": A Look at the Life, Work...

Below is an article published by The New Yorker outlining the life and work of Biram Dah Abeid: Two springs ago, Biram Dah Abeid arrived home in Nouakchott, the desert capital of Mauritania....

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May 06, 2014

Haratin: Denouncing Repression Facing Repatriates’...

Below is a press release published by the IRA-Mauritania: Having left Boghé in the South of Mauritania and after days of walking, a group of one hundred and fourteen (114) repatriates reached Nouakchott...

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May 05, 2014

Haratin: Thousands Protest Against Slavery

Below is an article based on a piece originally written in French by rfi.fr: In Nouakchott on Tuesday 29 April 2014, Haratin, who are descendants of slaves, gathered to demand more rights. It was the...

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Apr 22, 2014

Haratin: Elections To Be Held On June 21

Below is an article published by Reuters: Mauritania will hold presidential elections on June 21 [2014], according to the presidency, despite a lack of agreement on the reform of election rules that some...

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Apr 02, 2014

Haratin: Biram Abeid’s Presidential Campaign...

Below is an article by The Communication Commission: Biram Ould Dah Ould Abeid, President of the Initiative for the Resurgence of the Abolitionist movement (IRA-Mauritania), United Nations 2013 Human...

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Mar 20, 2014

Haratin: IHEU Delegation Advocates For Equality...

Below is an article by International Humanist and Ethical Union: The International Humanist and Ethical Union (IHEU) has spoken out about slavery in Mauritania on several occasions at the United...

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Mar 10, 2014

Haratin: UN Welcomes Adoption of Recommendations...

Below is an article published by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the UN: GENEVA (10 March 2014) – The United Nations Special Rapporteur on slavery,  Ms. Gulnara...

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Mar 05, 2014

Haratin: Human Rights Defender Cheikh Ould Vall...

Below is an article by Front Line Defenders: On the morning of 24 February 2014, police officers arrested human rights defender Mr Cheikh ould Vall with no arrest warrant. They took him to the...

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Feb 27, 2014

Haratin: Biram Dah Abeid Talks At Geneva Summit...

Biram Abeid’s speech at the Geneva Summit for Human Rights and Democracy:    

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Feb 05, 2014

Haratin: Biram Dah Abeid In Europe To Advocate...

Below is an article written by UNPO: On 28 January 2014, Biram Dah Abeid, President of IRA-Mauritania (Initiative for the Resurgence of the Abolitionist Movement) announced his candidature...

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Jan 29, 2014

Haratin: Biram Dah Abeid To Stand For President...

Please find below the announcement of Mr. Biram Dah Abeid’s candidature for the next presidential elections in Mauritania, which will be held in July 2014.  Building an egalitarian and prosperous...

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Jan 09, 2014

Haratin: Mauritania To Set Up Special Slavery...

Below is an article by Global Post: http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/afp/131231/mauritania-set-slavery-tribunal-state-media Mauritania is to set up a special tribunal to prosecute suspects accused...

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Dec 17, 2013

Letter of UN Human Rights Prize Winner to the...

Praise the lord and peace be upon Prophet Mohamed Honorable Sirs and Madams, we can do nothing but greatly thank you, the UN and all its institutions, for having considered our case, the misery and plight...

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Dec 02, 2013

UNPO General Secretary Statement on the International...

Brussels, 2 December 2013 – In light of the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO) wishes to commemorate the victims of contemporary...

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Dec 02, 2013

IRA President Biram Dah Abeid Wins UN Human Rights...

The Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO) is happy to congratulate Mr. Biram Dah Abeid, President of IRA-Mauritania (Initiative pour la Résurgence du mouvement Abolitionniste), on...

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Nov 13, 2013

Haratin: “Vestiges of Slavery” In Maurita...

Below is an article published by The New York Times: BOUTILIMIT, Mauritania — The protesters gathered in front of the low-slung police station, yelling “No to Slavery” and “Freedom.”...

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Nov 06, 2013

Biram Dah Abeid: "You have managed to get...

The speech is available in English, French or Arabic Message to pro-slavery supporters of the society and the state in Mauritania Today, I would like to address the Mauritanian elites and the political...

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Nov 01, 2013

Haratin: Mauritania Tops Global Slavery Index

Below is an article by Moneyweb: Mauritania has the highest prevalence of modern slavery in the world, according to the inaugural Global Slavery Index, with 14 other African countries also among...

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Oct 23, 2013

Haratin: Panafrican Congress Condemns Mauritania’s...

Below is an article published by the IRA-Mauritania: (Translation by UNPO), updated 24/10/13 At the Munich Panafrican Congress, which takes place every two years in the capital of the German federal state...

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Oct 17, 2013

European Parliament Addresses Slavery In Maur...

For the occasion, the DROI secretariat put together an exceptional panel, gathering Mr. Biram Abeid of IRA Mauritania (Initiative for the resurgence of the abolitionist movement), Ms. Sarah Mathewson of...

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Oct 01, 2013

Haratin: Peaceful Sit-In Violently Broken Up By...

Below is an article from IRA-Mauritanie Today September 30, 2013, in the city of Boutilimit, 150 km to the east of the capital Nouakchott, a unit of the gendarmerie and police came to attack a peaceful...

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Sep 12, 2013

Haratin: UN Expert Hails National Action Plan...

Below is an article published by UN OHCHR: “The process for developing the plan must be inclusive and participatory so that all involved can claim ownership over it and monitor its implementation;...

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Sep 10, 2013

The Initiative For The Resurgence Of The Abolitionist...

Below is an article published by IRA Mauritania This investigative day, of the aforementioned forms of human rights violations, of which the Haratin and black Mauritanians are victims, has allowed...

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Jul 23, 2013

Haratin: Slavery Alive And Well In Mauritania

Below is an article published by Think African Press: “Slavery is alive and well in Mauritania” – Messaoud ould Boulkheir, President of Mauritania’s Parliament, May 2013. Google...

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Jun 24, 2013

Haratin: Roundtable At French Assemblée...

Below is an article published by IRA Mauritania The meeting took place on June 12, 2013. Generally speaking, both Mauritanian and foreign stakeholders have observed that slavery is still striking in Mauritania....

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Jun 18, 2013

Biram Abeid's Triumphant Return To Mauri...

On Saturday 15 June, 2013, Biram Abeid was welcomed back to Mauritania by thousands of IRA supporters waiting for him at the Nouakchott international airport (pictures below). He was returning from...

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Jun 11, 2013

Slavery Round-Table In Paris

PRESS RELEASE                                       ...

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Jun 10, 2013

Haratin: Belgian Newspaper "Slavery Still...

During his month-long tour through Europe, starting with him receiving the Frontline Defenders Award, Biram Dah Abeid met with Belgian journalist Marie-France Cros of La Libre Belgique. The interview,...

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Jun 06, 2013

Haratin: Drums Of Freedom

Below is an article published by Minority Voices: The singer, who is accompanied by a chorus of drummers, sings about relations between women and men, social relationships, and issues that affect their...

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Jun 04, 2013

IRA Mauritania Leader Visit To The Netherland...

--- Article in French at the bottom of this page / Article en Francais au bas de la page. ---  Since the day he received the prestigious award of Front Line Defender on May 3, Biram Dah...

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May 28, 2013

Meeting with Biram Dah Abeid

 Thursday, 30th of June 2013, 18.00-19.45 Conference Room 4th Floor, Laan van Meerdervoort 70The Hague, the Netherlands  On behalf of the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization...

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May 07, 2013

Haratin: Anti-Slavery Campaigner Receives 2013...

Below is an article published by Front Line Defenders: On Friday 3 May, President Michael D Higgins of Ireland presented the 2013 Front Line Defenders Award for Human Rights Defenders at Risk to anti-slavery...

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May 03, 2013

UNPO General Secretary Congratulates Biram Dah...

Letter of Congratulations                                                  ...

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Apr 25, 2013

UNPO Appeal: Help Mauritanian Dockworkers Strike...

So as to ensure the success of these dockworkers’ campaign, IRA (Initiative pour la Résurgence du mouvement Abolitionniste) has called, in collaboration with UNPO, for several basic demands...

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Apr 23, 2013

Haratin: BBC Radio 4 To Appeal For Slaves In ...

Below is an article published  Minority Rights Group International . Even in 2013 there are still places in the world where people are born and die as slaves. Where belonging to a specific caste...

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Apr 22, 2013

Haratin: IRA Makes An Entrance Into Soccer

Below is an article published by IRA Mauritania: The anti-slavery organization Initiative pour la Résurgence du movement Abolitioniste (IRA)organized a Gala Match on Saturday 20th April, at the...

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Mar 27, 2013

Haratin: Slavery Still A Fact In Mauritania

Below is an article published by Africanglobe : In this 21st century of ours, there is still a country where African men, women and children are “constitutionally” inferior and can be led...

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Mar 26, 2013

Haratin: Revelations Against Mauritanian State’s...

Below is an article published by the IRA-Mauritania: Mohamed Ould ElKory, Mauritanian citizen, member of the Haratin community (slaves and former slaves), currently in Geneva, Switzerland. Letter To...

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Mar 21, 2013

Haratin: Tensions Increase Around New Slavery...

Below is an article published by IRA-Mauritania (translation from French by UNPO): It has been three days now that a palpable tension has become apparent in the surrounding of the Police Station of Tevragh...

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Mar 12, 2013

Haratin: Violent Police Repression Against IRA...

Below is an article published by IRA-Mauritania (translation from French by UNPO): After showering the militants with tear gas, forcing them to leave the house where they were gathered, the police forces...

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Mar 01, 2013

Haratin: France Supports IRA Campaign Against...

Below is an extract from the Q&A Press Session, 28/02/2013 published by France Diplomatie:   Question- What do you think of the initiatives led by activists from IRA (Initiative for the Resurgence...

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Feb 27, 2013

Haratin: UNHCR’s Annual Session With Mauritania...

Below is an article published by National Post:  The UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) begins its annual session in Geneva today [25 February 2013] by once again disgracing itself through the appointment...

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Feb 26, 2013

Haratin: Cabal Against Biram And IRA-Mauritania...

Below is an article published by IRA-Mauritania:   On Wednesday, February 20, 2013, Biram Abeid welcomed Abdellahi Ould Lebchir (see picture) who came to confess his aim to murder IRA’s leader,...

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Feb 25, 2013

Haratin: Liberty Caravan In Atar

Below is an article published by Cridem: The Liberty Ira’s President, Biram Dah Abeid, took the floor to thank everyone for showing their support to his organization, despite the pressure inflicted...

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Feb 15, 2013

Haratin: Slave-Owner Imprisoned

Below is an article published by IRA-Mauritania:   IRA celebrated a landmark victory against the history of slavery in Mauritania following the imprisonment of Mrs. Rahma Mint Legreyve, an Arabo-Berber...

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Feb 06, 2013

Haratin: Sit In Against Impunity

Below is an article published by IRA-Mauritania: IRA-Mauritania held a great sit in on Saturday, February 2nd, at the Brigade for youth in conflict with law. Hundreds of militants answered our call, and...

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Feb 04, 2013

Haratin: Five New Cases Of Slavery Proved In Guerou...

Below is an article published by IRA-Mauritania:   During the "Caravan of freedom" from 24 to 28 January 2013, from the city of Nema in the far east of the country to Nouakchott, the capital, and...

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Jan 31, 2013

Haratin: Slavery Still A Reality In Mauritani...

Below is an article published by The Daily Targum:   It’s 2013 and slavery still exists. What are your personal requirements of slavery? What do you need to make it real? Do you need proof?...

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Jan 25, 2013

Haratin: Preparations Begin For Anti-Slavery ...

Below is a press release issued by IRA – Mauritania [translated by UNPO]: Anti-slavery activists have begun preparations for the 1000km long « liberty caravan » that will soon...

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Jan 14, 2013

Haratin: Absurd Impunity When Judge Brags About...

Below you can find a press release by the Initiative pour la Résurgence du mouvement Abolitionniste (IRA) Communication Commission. Press Release We at the Initiative pour la Résurgence...

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Jan 08, 2013

Biram Dah Abeid Receives Warm Welcome In Maur...

On 20 December 2012, Biram Dah Abeid, human rights defender and president of the anti-slavery group ‘Initiative for the Resurgence of Abolitionism’ in Mauritania, returned from a visit to...

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Dec 13, 2012

Haratin: Slave-Holding Mauritania Elected As Vice-President...

Below is an article published by UN Watch: UN Watch condemned today's [10 December 2012] election of Mauritania, a country that allows 800,000 of its citizens to live as slaves, as Vice-President of the...

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Dec 06, 2012

Strong Presence Of UNPO Representatives At Fifth...

More than thirty representatives of twelve UNPO Members (Afrikaner, Ahwazi, Assyria, Crimean Tatars, East Turkestan, Haratin, Hmong, Iranian Kurdistan, Iraqi Kurdistan, Khmer Krom, Ogaden, and West Balochistan)...

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Dec 04, 2012

UNPO: Highlighting The International Day For The...

The International Day for the Abolition of Slavery was celebrated on Sunday 2 December. It marks the anniversary of the adoption of the United Nations Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons...

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Nov 12, 2012

Mauritania : Dozens of People Denounce Death of...

Dozens of people, mainly IRA-Mauritanie (Initiative for the Resurgence of the Abolitionist Movement) and the Observatory for Mauritania youth against social disparity militants...

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Nov 07, 2012

Haratin: Slavery Concerns Voiced By UN Fellowship...

The article below was published by OHCHR:   Mohamed El Hor Abeidy, from the Haratin community in the West African nation of Mauritania, was one of nine participants in the UN Human Rights Office...

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Oct 15, 2012

UN Special Rapporteur Condemns Contemporary Slavery...

Below is a press release published by UNPO: Brussels, 15 October 2012 A roundtable discussion on Contemporary Slavery in Mauritania was organised by the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization...

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Oct 02, 2012

Slavery in Mauritania: Exploring Traditional Slavery...

Slavery in Mauritania Exploring Traditional Slavery in the Contemporary Context 15.00 – 18.00 Wednesday, 10 October 2012 Room A7H1, Altiero Spinelli Building, European Parliament, Brussels Despite...

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Sep 10, 2012

Haratin: IRA-Mauritanie Denounces Arrest

Below is a press release published by IRA-Mauritanie: Against a backdrop of sham popular demonstrations prodded by the executive power and the political class, majority and opposition alike, the IRA president,...

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Aug 31, 2012

Haratin: Biram Dah Abeid Back in Hospital

Please find below a press release published by the IRA: l’Initiative pour la Résurgence du mouvement Abolitionniste Press Release IRA –Mauritania The President of « Initiative...

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Aug 31, 2012

UNPO-IRA Report To UN CESCR Denounces Enslavement...

Below is an article published by UNPO: UNPO and the Initiative de Résurgence du Mouvement Abolitionniste en Mauritanie (IRA) submitted a joint report to the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural...

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Aug 31, 2012

Haratin: Slavery Persists in Mauritania

Below is an article published by the Rockland County Times: Though human trafficking has received significant attention over the past few years, a different form of slavery has gone largely unnoticed...

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Aug 23, 2012

UNPO General Secretary's Statement on the...

Brussels, 23 August 2012 – On the occasion of the 2012 UNESCO International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and of its Abolition, the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO)...

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Aug 23, 2012

Haratin: Statement Released on UNESCO Day of Remembrance...

Below is a joint statement released by SOS – Esclaves and IRA – Mauritanie: Initially launched by the UNESCO, the International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition...

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Aug 16, 2012

Haratin: Slavery Thriving in Mauritania

Below is an article published by The Guardian: Mbarka Mint Aheimed first met her father on the day he forced her into slavery. The man who dragged her from her mother when she was aged five needed "a...

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Jul 31, 2012

Haratin: An Evening Dedicated To Biram

Djiby Sow, president of KAWTAL YELITAREE, denounced the staunch opposition of the president of the Republic against righteous men who are unfairly arrested for book-burning reason, while the real reason...

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Jul 27, 2012

Ashton to Keep Pressure on Nouakchott

Below is the EU High Representative’s letter: Dear Colleagues, Thank you for the Letter of 26 June concerning the trial of Mr. Biram Dah Ould Abeid in Mauritania. The European External Action...

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Jul 18, 2012

Haratin: Battle against the Practice of Slavery...

Below is an article published by New Internationalist Blog: In the small desert country of Mauritania in Africa, under the scorching sun, slavery still exists. But so does Brahim Bilal Ebeid, a social...

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Jul 13, 2012

EU Urged to Act in Support of...

Brussels, 10 July 2012 -  Brahim Bilal, Vice President of the anti–slavery movement in Mauritania, “Initiative de Résurgence du Mouvement Abolitionniste” (IRA), accompanied...

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Jul 11, 2012

Haratin: Mauritanians Continue Fight Against ...

Below is an article published by Daily News Egypt: Protesters gathered in the Mauritanian capital on 8 July 2012 demanding the release of seven activists who have been detained since April, and end to...

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Jul 02, 2012

Anti-Slavery Movement Takes the Streets (video)...

Almost two months after their arrest, the human rights defender and President of the “Initiative de Résurgence du Mouvement Abolitionniste” (IRA), the main anti–Slavery Movement...

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Jun 27, 2012

Haratin: Trial of Biram Ould Abeid Begins

Below is an article published by Front Line Defenders: A trial in which human rights defender Mr Biram Ould Dah Ould Abeid and six other colleagues are accused of “threatening state security”...

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Jun 07, 2012

Statement of Biram Ould Abeid from Prison

Press Release The burning of certain books belonging to the Malikite branch of jurisprudence has triggered an upsurge of criticism, denunciation, defamation and sometimes slanders. These reactions have...

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Jun 05, 2012

CNN iReporters Speak Out Against Slavery

Below is an article by John D. Sutter and Edythe McNamee, published by CNN International:  Dozens of CNN iReporters recently uploaded videos of themselves telling escaped slaves in Mauritania that...

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May 30, 2012

Call for the Release of Biram Dah Abeid

Over one month has passed since human rights defender and anti-slavery activist Mr Biram Dah Abeid has been detained. On 29 May 2012 at midnight, he and his ten fellow prisoners were presented before the...

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May 10, 2012

Arrest of Mauritanian Anti-Slavery Leader

One month after human rights defender Mr Biram Dah Abeid was arrested, a peaceful anti-slavery march was violently cracked down. Several activists were severely injured, as was the wife of Mr. Abeid,...

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May 02, 2012

Contemporary Slavery: Understanding the New Face...

Contemporary Slavery: Understanding the New Face to an Old Evil *    *    * European Parliament Conference Reveals Need for Improved Data and Analysis as EU Publishes...

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Apr 30, 2012

Haratin: Anti-Slavery Leader Arrested

Below is an article published by Radio Chine Internationale: Biram Ould Dah, president of the Initiative for the Resurgence of the Abolitionist Movement in Mauritania (IRA), was arrested by the police...

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Mar 21, 2012

Haratin: Slavery Still Common Reality In Maur...

Below is an article published by CNN: As a member of Mauritania's slave-owning class, Abdel Nasser Ould Ethmane could have had anything he wanted as a present for his circumcision ceremony: a toy, money,...

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Jan 19, 2012

Haratin: Protesters Against Slavery Arrested in...

Below is an article published by Afrique en ligne: Several supporters of the Initiative for the Resurgence of the Abolitionist Movement  (IRA), a Mauritanian NGO campaigning for the end of slavery...

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Jan 18, 2012

Haratin: Slavery Remains a Problem in Maurita...

Below is an article published by The Open Society Foundations: Slavery in Mauritania is not what most people envision when they hear the word. There are no slave markets; people are not bought and sold...

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Oct 17, 2011

UNPO To United Nations: Widespread Slavery Persists...

  Below is an article published by UNPO:   UNPO and the Initiative de Résurgence du Mouvement Abolitionniste en Mauritanie (IRA) submitted a joint report this month to the Committee...

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