On July 31, 2014 the New Zealand Parliament passed a new law that forbids slavery aboard any ship that enters its waters. Heretofore it was common practice for ships to hold crew members in bondage for debts, and to work them in 30 hour shifts, and for taking violent assaults against them
“Not Here” will not change the world, but it sends a message outward that New Zealand will not tolerate human rights abuses while in its waters. The new law was supported by WalkFree.org, a 6 million member organization that works to eliminate slavery around the world.
A supporter of Walk Free in Canada, Bruce R., wrote after hearing the news, “[this] is for me yet more proof that my own seemingly insignificant voice can, when added to many others, make a real difference.”
Share
Save
