[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 35 (Thursday, March 1, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E447]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


 INTRODUCTION OF RESOLUTION THAT SUPPORTS THE GOALS AND IDEALS OF ANTI-
                              SLAVERY DAY

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                          HON. ELIOT L. ENGEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 1, 2007

  Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to encourage my colleagues' 
strong support of the resolution that I have introduced which supports 
the goals and ideals of Anti-Slavery Day. I would also like to thank 
Representative Burton for his assistance with this resolution. Anti-
Slavery Day is dedicated to focusing attention on the many forms of 
slavery that exists today as well as to highlight and commend the many 
efforts made by the United States Congress, along with, Free the 
Slaves, labor organizations, and United States Industry to eradicate 
slavery from the product supply chains of goods entering the United 
States.
  This resolution is most important this year as 2007 is the 
bicentennial of the abolition of the British slave trade. In 1865, the 
United States outlawed slavery and involuntary servitude with the 13th 
amendment. Yet today more than 27 million people are enslaved around 
the world and over the last 50 years slavery has actually increased and 
is flourishing in situations of conflict, social disruption, political 
chaos, and economic crisis. Slavery is present in nearly every country 
and affects those--especially women and children--who are most 
vulnerable. Slavery is a global crime and requires a global approach to 
its eradication with the most powerful preventive measures being 
education and economic development. Slavery and involuntary servitude 
are inherently evil institutions and must be abolished.

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