On the occasion of International Human Rights Day, the UNPO’s Secretary General, Mercè Monje Cano joined Biram Dah Abeid and the Initiative for the Resurgence of the Abolitionist Movement (IRA) in Paris for a roundtable discussion, focusing on raising the voices of the community against systemic oppression and the persistent enslavement of the Haratin in Mauritania.
The stark reality is that despite the Haratin comprising approximately 45% of Mauritania’s population, they continue to be marginalized and are subjected to de facto slavery, structural inequalities, and political exclusion. While Mauritania has officially abolished slavery multiple times in its history, the practice of modern day slavery continues for the Haratin. The IRA has thus become a key actor in the effort to eradicate slavery. The organisation was founded by prominent and notable figure, Biram Dah Abeid, whose steadfast commitment to fighting slavery has often been met with severe repression, including his imprisonment on multiple occasions based on fabricated charges.
During her intervention, the Secretary General highlighted the UNPO’s critical role in bringing the plight of the Haratin to international attention through its close work with the IRA and other organisations to elevate their cause on the global stage, including the United Nations (UN), the European Parliament, and other multilateral forums.
Efforts to highlight human rights violations in Mauritania have not been without challenges and hindrance, even within these multilateral platforms. Some of these challenges include the bureaucratic barriers which unrepresented communities, like the Haratin, must overcome to access international platforms; tactics of intimidation from authoritarian states seeking to obstruct dissent; and a culture of impunity wherein activists regularly face harassment and transnational repression, discouraging their participation.
One such example is the Qatargate scandal in 2022, which illustrated how states like Mauritania have used illegitimate means to protect their international image. In this particular case, Mauritania reportedly paid around €200,000 to European Parliament officials to reduce criticism of its human rights practices, particularly its continuation of slavery and systemic discrimination against the Haratin. Repressive actions like these only further manipulate international platforms, making democratic institutions vulnerable to authoritarian influence. This only further silences unrepresented nations and peoples, like the Haratin, and weakens the ability to access justice.
The Secretary General spoke of how the current geopolitical shifts and power dynamics tends to have a particular impact on the Haratin and other unrepresented communities. In addition to the legacies of decolonisation which continue to shape Mauritania’s political and economic structures, neo-colonialism and economic dependencies on the West – but also emerging actors such as China – have further influenced these structures, deepening existing inequalities. Thus Mauritania’s strategic engagements in the energy sector and counterterrorism in the Sahel region has not only reinforced neo-colonial relationships of dependency but it has also limited the opportunities for the Haratin.
Reflecting on the story of the Haratin, the Secretary General gave a call to action embodying justice, democracy and inclusion:
- For the Haratin, it is essential to create safe spaces that allow them to advocate for their cause.
- For democratic institutions, reforms must ensure transparency, accountability, and resistance to authoritarian influence.
- For the global order, it is time to confront colonial legacies and build equitable systems that serve all peoples.
In closing her contribution, the Secretary General reiterated that the “UNPO remains steadfast in this fight, alongside the Haratin and all unrepresented communities. Together, we can build a future where every voice is heard, and every community can thrive in dignity, equality, and justice.”
