Kudos to Niger

Kudos to the government of Niger for deciding to pay reparations of $19,000 to Hadijatou Mani, 24, who was sold into slavery when she was twelve. This is a bold step for a government in a region plagued by human trafficking. 43,000 people are enslaved in Niger against government policy, and slavery persists in Mali, Mauritania and Uganda.

Much has been said about the rightfully vilified slave owner, but I am concerned about the absence of commentary over the behavior of Ms. Mani's parents. According to the New York Times, Ms. Mani "was born into a traditional slave class and sold to Souleymane Naroua," for about $500. By what standard is this an acceptable practice for parents anywhere in our world? Also, where is the outrage over the system that allows the continuation of a "slave class"?

One of the race issues rising from the candidacy of Senator Barack Obama in this country is the question of reconciling with slavery's ghost in America. One way to start reconciliation in a globally productive manner would be to seriously address the issue of human trafficking and the sex trade which persists, even flourishes, worldwide. I was pleased to see that the Bush administration, under Secretary of State Rice, is acting seriously.

According to Humantraffcking.org, "The 2008 Trafficking in Persons Report [by the State Department] on 170 countries is the most comprehensive worldwide report on the efforts of governments to combat severe forms of trafficking in persons. Its findings will raise global awareness and spur countries to take effective actions to counter trafficking in persons...The annual Trafficking in Persons Report serves as the primary diplomatic tool through which the U.S. Government encourages partnership and increased determination in the fight against forced labor, sexual exploitation, and modern-day slavery."

Please take the time to check out the annual Trafficking in Persons Report. Yesterday's decision by Niger is a bold step, but much more needs to be done.