If you think slavery is something from the past, then check out this report that earned the attention of Paul Pogba

If you think slavery is something from the past, then check out this report that earned the attention of Paul Pogba

Slavery exists today.

A report from CNN has exposed a modern day slave trade in Libya where migrants from Nigeria, Niger, Mali, and other African countries are sold as products.

Manchester United’s Paul Pogba used his goal celebration in a return-from-injury Premier League game against Newcastle United in October to highlight the issue.

After scoring in United’s 4-1 win Pogba celebrated with crossed wrists and later explained on his Instagram account: “While very happy to be back, my prayers go to those suffering slavery in Libya. May Allah be by your side and may this cruelty come to an end!”

The CNN report highlighted an underground migrant auction outside Libya’s capital of Tripoli. The CNN crew witnessed the sale of at least a dozen men – some for as little as $400.

There is a direct link between the experience of some of the migrants forced into slavery and sold in auctions in Libya and aspiring footballers who are exploited by fake agents and some academies in Africa with false promises of contracts in Europe.

Europe is presented as a “promised land” for people wanting to improve their personal situation; intermediaries demand money for services that often do not materialize or have no guarantee of success; the desire to seek economic exploitation exposes people to exploitation and human rights violations.