Discrimination based on work and descent (DWD) is estimated to affect over 260 million people worldwide, in Africa, Asia, Europe, South America, and North America. In West African countries such as Mali, Mauritania and Niger, this type of discrimination affects communities of ethnic minorities who are considered to be descendants of slaves.

This modern day slavery is also linked to crimes such as trafficking, forced labour and forced marriages, among various other manifestations. The Africa Network of Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent and against Slavery (ANDS) is a coalition of like-minded organisations from West Africa, and mentored by Trust Africa and supported by the Global Forum of Communities Discriminated on Work and Descent (GFDWD), and the Social Justice DWD TaskForce of the Global Call for Action against Poverty (GCAP), which aims to empower the groups and communities to bring visibility to end slavery and DWD situation in West Africa.

The proposed joint initiative by ANDS, titled ‘People’s movement to end modern day slavery’, through the support of VOICE, AIMS to “build a critical mass-movement lead by rightsholder communities of West African countries of Mali, Mauritania, Niger and Senegal, for creating pressure on their governments and international bodies, for eliminating contemporary forms of slavery and discrimination-based on work and descent (DWD), so that they can claim and realise equality, freedom, justice and security, which is meant for all citizens”. We visualise that our collaborative initiative will bring about the IMPACT OUTCOMES where the ‘rightsholders’ assertion and advocacy for eliminating contemporary forms of slavery and DWD will enable them to claim and enjoy their rights and entitlements, will build perspective of civil society on slavery and DWD, and hold states accountable for effective policy response and action in tackling DWD”.

OBJECTIVES:

1. To build and strengthen the emerging sub-regional networkof groups of rightsholders of ethnic minorities affected mymodern slavery as a form of discrimination based on work and descent (DWD).
2. To build visibility on modern slavery of ethnic minority groups affected by discrimination based on work and descent (DWD) inthe respective countries of West Africa, among thegeneral populace,national and international media and human rights mechanisms,so that the existence, prevalence and scale of the problem will be acknowledged and known.
3. To advocate with state and national governments for undertaking a prompt and effective response to tackle modern slavery/DWD in their respective countries through effective implementation and enactment of appropriate laws and policies.
4. To bring the attention of national and international media and human rights mechanisms towards theissue of modern slavery/DWD within respective countries of West Africa.

STRATEGY:

1. Create Evidence of slavery and DWD incidences so that governments will acknowledge the existence, nature, scale and gravity of issue. This will be done through a baseline survey, investigation missions for notable cases; published opinion pieces etc. Information will be uploaded through a common website.
2. Build Movement of Rightsholders: The capacities of rightsholder groups will be built through trainings and other exposure, so that they are enabled to lead the process of change.
3. Build Perspective and Generate Awareness of public on the issue of DWD and contemporary slavery in the mentioned countries.
4. Build Solidarity among stakeholders for Effective Advocacy:Stakeholders who have an influencing role in public opinion will be engaged in project for participating in the process of change.
5. Advocate with national governments and international human rights mechanisms for effective implementation/ enactment of laws and policies for eradicating contemporary slavery and DWD
6. Cross Border and Regional collaboration (Networking) for Advocacy: The initiative

Breaking the Chains: A New Chapter in the Fight Against Slavery in West Africa 

For many, slavery is something that belongs in history books. But in Mali, Mauritania, and Senegal, the reality is far different. Thousands of people are still born into slavery, trapped by traditions that refuse to let them be free. They are denied education, land, and even the right to decide their own futures. 

For too long, silence allowed this injustice to continue. But that silence is breaking. Survivors are speaking up. Laws are changing. Justice is catching up. And at the heart of it all is a movement led by those who refuse to be forgotten. 

Justice at Last: When the Courts Listen, Everything Changes 

Imagine spending your entire life believing justice isn’t meant for you. That the system isn’t built to recognize your pain. That no one will listen. 

Now imagine standing in a courtroom, telling your story to a judge who has no choice but to listen. 

For the first time in Mali’s history, that moment has arrived. Twenty-two slavery cases have been prosecuted, resulting in convictions—a groundbreaking step forward. Survivors who were once voiceless are standing in front of the law and demanding to be seen. 

And the impact goes beyond the courtroom. Mali has rewritten its constitution to explicitly criminalize slavery. The country’s penal code now includes 17 new articles focused on dismantling this system. Meanwhile, in Mauritania, activists are pushing for stricter enforcement of anti-slavery laws, and in Senegal, the government is finally acknowledging the link between forced child begging and modern slavery. 

These victories are real. They are powerful. But they are also fragile. Without continuous pressure, progress risks fading into the background. The fight doesn’t stop at passing laws—it continues until those laws are enforced, until every survivor is truly free. 

Changing the Narrative, One Story at a Time 

Slavery has survived for so long because it was hidden—buried under silence, justified by misinterpretations, ignored by those in power. How do you dismantle something so deeply ingrained? 

You talk about it. You put it in the headlines, on TV, in the streets. You make it impossible to ignore. 

• Thirty religious leaders in Mauritania have publicly rejected the notion that slavery has any basis in Islam, breaking centuries of harmful misinterpretation. 

• Survivors have gone on national TV, radio, and social media, telling their stories on Lac Télé, Djoliba TV, and major news platforms. 

• Digital campaigns and press conferences have reached thousands, forcing a conversation that many once avoided. 

For those born into slavery, just hearing that freedom is possible can change everything. When survivors tell their stories, they challenge the system that tried to erase them. 

And people are listening. 

What We’ve Learned Along the Way 

Laws mean nothing without enforcement. Making slavery illegal is a victory, but it’s not the finish line. Holding governments accountable is the real fight. 

Stories change minds. When survivors share their experiences, they shift perspectives, expose injustice, and inspire action. 

Faith leaders have a powerful role to play. When imams and traditional leaders speak out, entire communities listen. Challenging cultural narratives from within is how real change takes root. 

Survivors must lead the movement. The most powerful voices in this fight belong to those who have lived it. Empowering survivors with legal knowledge and leadership training ensures they can fight for their own futures. 

This Is Only the Beginning 

The momentum is here—but it can’t stop now. 

The next step? Making sure these legal victories turn into real, lasting change. That means: 

• Pushing for full enforcement of anti-slavery laws in Mali and Mauritania. 

• Expanding legal aid services so more survivors can seek justice. 

• Investing in survivor-led initiatives to build lasting independence. 

• Keeping slavery in the public conversation so it never fades into the background again. 

Slavery still exists, but so does resistance. And resistance is growing. This movement isn’t just about history. It’s about the present, the future, and the thousands of people still waiting for freedom.