As we observe Juneteenth, The Media Line joins in commemorating a pivotal moment in American history—the 1865 emancipation of enslaved Black people in the United States. This federal holiday, marking its third annual observance, serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring struggle for freedom and justice.
On June 19, 1865, US Army Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger informed the enslaved people in Galveston, Texas, that they were free, effectively enforcing the Emancipation Proclamation signed by President Abraham Lincoln, who was assassinated 65 days earlier. This day, celebrated as Juneteenth, symbolizes the end of slavery and the beginning of a long journey toward equality.
Slavery was formally abolished in different parts of the Middle East and North Africa at various times throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Tunisia was the first country in the MENA region to abolish slavery, doing so in 1846. In Egypt, it was officially abolished in 1877. The Ottoman Empire, which controlled much of the region, banned the practice in 1882. Saudi Arabia and Yemen officially abolished slavery in 1962. Mauritania was the last country in the world to abolish slavery, officially outlawing the practice in 1981. It subsequently criminalized slavery in 2007. Despite these legal steps, Mauritania continues to grapple with deeply entrenched practices of modern slavery, with reports indicating that it still persists in various forms.
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Modern forms of slavery, such as human trafficking and forced labor, also continue to exist in other areas of the region, despite legal abolition. Reports indicate that countries like Libya, with its ongoing conflict, and certain Gulf states, with exploitative labor practices, still face significant challenges in eradicating these practices.
At The Media Line, we are dedicated to the recognition and protection of basic freedoms and rights, including our own exercise of freedom of the press, especially in the Middle East and North Africa, where these are not always guaranteed.
Our mission aligns with the core values highlighted by Juneteenth: the pursuit of freedom, the resilience to overcome oppression, and the unwavering commitment to justice and equality.
Championing journalistic ethics is at the heart of our work. Just as Juneteenth celebrates the triumph over injustice, we strive to uphold truth and integrity in our reporting. Our dedication to providing quality journalism ensures that the stories of the Middle East and North Africa are told with accuracy, depth, and fairness.
Juneteenth also reminds us of the importance of cultural heritage and the resilience of those who fight for their rights. This resonates deeply in regions like the Middle East and North Africa, where diverse communities continue to seek their voices and stories to be heard.
As we honor Juneteenth, let us reflect on its themes of freedom, resilience, and justice, and renew our commitment to these principles in our reporting. Thank you for your continued support [1] in our mission to deliver honest and impactful journalism.