International slavery conference of the year in Hull
The most significant International Slavery Conference of the year, ‘Unfinished Business’, will be hosted by the University of Hull’s WISE Institute on 16-19 May.
Two hundred years after the slave trade was abolished, world-class academics and several very high profile political figures will discuss research findings on the historical slave trade, the plight of slaves in today’s world and campaigns to end slavery.
As part of the conference, WISE’s patron, Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, will deliver the Wilberforce Emancipation Lecture: ‘Emancipation, Reconciliation and Reparations’ on Thursday May 17th. Archbishop Tutu is best known for his tireless campaign against apartheid in the 1980s, for which he was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 and for establishing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in South Africa.
Other keynote Addresses will be delivered by David Lammy MP, Minister for Culture, Professor Kevin Bales, President of Free the Slaves and by other high profile political speakers.
Being the home and former Parliamentary constituency of the abolitionist William Wilberforce, Hull has a strong affinity with debates about slavery issues. WISE is home to academics that specialise in both historical and contemporary slavery. Indeed, the research of WISE’s experts was instrumental in enabling the recent expose on GangMasters carrying out illegal working practices in the Humberside area.
Associate Director of WISE and Professor of Social Justice, Gary Craig said “We are delighted that several extremely high profile and knowledgeable figures are speaking at this conference and are helping to raise awareness about slavery and human rights. Through conferences like this, WISE continues to bring slavery issues to the fore and influence decision makers about ways to eradicate the various forms of slavery such as debt bondage, child labour and human trafficking.”
For more information please contact Jane Ellison on (01482) 305182
Published: 10/05/07
