Pope Francis, world religious leaders call for eradication of slavery

In a historic initiative to eradicate modern slavery and human trafficking, leaders of the Christian (Catholic, Anglican and Orthodox) as well as Buddhist, Hindu, Jewish and Muslim faiths jointly committed to stamp put slavery from all parts of the world.

Indian spiritual leader Mata Amritanandamayi also joined hands with world faith leaders in meeting Pope Francis at the Vatican today, declaring her commitment to end the global scourge by 2020.

The leaders signed the Joint Declaration of Religious Leaders against Modern Slavery to underline that modern slavery, in terms of human trafficking, forced labour and prostitution, is a crime against humanity, and must be recognised as such by everyone and by all nations.

The declaration also affirmed that any relationship that fails to respect the fundamental conviction that all people are equal and have the same freedom and dignity, is a crime.

Mata Amritanandamayi, popularly known as 'Amma' in India and as the 'hugging saint' globally, and other religious leaders had gathered in Rome yesterday coinciding with the 'International Day for the Abolition of Slavery' to sign a common declaration, showing their commitment towards the eradication of modern slavery by 2020.

"We are honoured and thankful that His Holiness Pope Francis has gathered us here today under the auspices of the Global Freedom Network. I am optimistic that all global faiths are uniting together to inspire both spiritual and practical actions towards society ending the horror of slavery and human trafficking," she said prior to signing the Declaration.

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