Those who have broken free from the shackles of slavery are included in the ranks of

those who fight for the abolition of the institution of slavery; nevertheless, religious leaders and

humanitarians make up the majority of this group. Slavery was a devastating experience for them

since it caused separation from loved ones, forced them to labor long hours for little money,

degraded them psychologically and physically, and deprived them of their basic liberties. Slaves

of both sexes were beaten violently, their families were torn apart, and their legal position was

equivalent to property in the eyes of the law. Based on the testimonies of formerly enslaved

people who described being subjected to cruel treatment, abolitionists had a sound rationale for

fighting for the emancipation of enslaved people (Resistance to Fugitive Slave Act). The

violation of anyone's rights is unacceptable and should never be tolerated. Since everyone is born

with the same potential, no one deserves preferential treatment.

Everyone is looking forward to a time when they will be able to work without being

subjected to any form of physical or mental abuse when they will be free to go back to their

country of origin when they are paid for the work that they do when they can spend time with

their families, when their complaints will be addressed, and when their children and

grandchildren will be assured of a better life in the years to come. Keeping this in mind, it is only

fitting that the people who were subjected to these heinous crimes should have their freedom

restored after having been set free from the chains of slavery (Voices for Freedom).

Humanitarians maintain that all people are entitled to the same fundamental rights, that no one

should be subjected to unequal treatment, and that nobody deserves to be abused.