The last country to abolish slavery was the African state of Mauritania, where a 1981 presidential decree abolished the practice; however, no criminal laws were passed to enforce the ban.

PROVIDENCE — He escaped slavery in Mauritania. She escaped female genital mutilation in Senegal. Both managed to make their way separately to the United States, pursuing the American dream ...

Biram Dah Abeid was just 8 when he became aware of slavery in his home country of Mauritania. He saw a defenseless youth being beaten by a man—a common experience, his parents explained ...

Some describe the 20-hour journey across 700km of desert as a "once in a lifetime experience" or a real life version of Frank ...

Biram himself has spent his whole life campaigning - at great risk - against slavery in Mauritania, where it is still very much a live issue.

Mauritania is an Islamic Republic dominated ... Although officially outlawed, slavery and voluntary servitude persists, with many former slaves continuing to work for their former masters.

Press Release - The Media Foundation for West Africa condemns the arrest and intimidation of Mauritanian human rights activist Ahmed Ould Samba and calls for his release.