Bishop TD Jakes has joined the growing list of global leaders and human rights activists condemning slavery and human trafficking in Libya.
He took to social media on Wednesday to condemn the act and call on more leaders to do the same, urging that investigations should be launched into allegations that hundreds of African refugees and migrants passing through Libya are being bought and sold in modern-day slave markets.
This development follows CNN’s investigative report last month which revealed that migrants and refugees are being sold into slavery. The news organization released footage of men being sold for $400 as farm laborers at a nighttime auction.
Sources report that Libya is the main gateway for people attempting to reach Europe by sea, with more than 150,000 people making the crossing in each of the past three years.
Aljazeera purported on 26 November there is no proper registration process for the tens of thousands of refugees arriving in Libya.
“When the centres get too crowded, people are then allegedly sold off like goods in an open market. Survivors have told the UN’s migration agency that they use smartphones to connect with people smugglers to get them to Libya’s coast, and that they were then sold, being held for ransom, used as forced labour or for sexual exploitation.” the news outlet added.
“The slave trade that is going on in Libya, and even globally, is an atrocity that has to STOP,” he wrote on the same social media post. “We, as a people have to partner together to put an end to this horrific disregard for human life.”
“For the price of $400 a person loses their dignity, their pride, and sometimes their life,” Jakes said.
“Use your voice (Social Media, your community, etc.) to raise awareness,” Jakes continued. “Support organizations that give aid to countries from which migrants are fleeing. Contact your local officials and become an advocate in the fight against slavery & human trafficking.”
“We have got to say something…we cannot be silent,” the mega Church pastor concluded.
Speaking at the 5th African Union-European Union Summit before a large contingent of world leaders on Thursday, South African President Jacob Zuma said to address the “human tragedy” in Libya, a number of factors, including environmental degradation, insecurity and instability and the lack of economic opportunities had to be examined.
“We need to act decisively and support the Libyan Government of National Accord to address this human tragedy and eradicate the scourge of modern day slavery, exploitation and forced labour, currently unfolding in front of our eyes,” he said.
By Staff Writer.
