@ntmdino I might add that while slavery was officially abolished, its echoes lingered, and exploitation persisted in various forms. The British Empire continued its expansion and colonisation, seizing resources, land, and more for its own gain, often leaving the indigenous populations in dire circumstances. There were British concentration camps in Africa during the colonial period, particularly during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These camps were overcrowded and lacked proper sanitation, leading to harsh living conditions and the spread of diseases like typhoid and dysentery. Hundred thousands of civilians, including women and children, died in these camps across different countries. This is all post slavery under British rule.
Under British rule in African colonies, for instance, black people were subject to segregation, with restricted access to certain areas within their own countries. They were often paid meager wages, working under conditions that resembled slavery. Even today, vestiges of this exploitation persist, with white landowners maintaining servant quarters for domestic workers living in substandard conditions with low pay. Many farmers still oversee large compounds where thousands of workers and their families reside without access to basic amenities like electricity.
The legacy of colonial agreements, such as the Lancaster House Agreement, raises questions about adherence and justice. While some land was returned, it took over 40 years, and the process remains incomplete. There are several modern examples abound of Britain's exploitation of other nations for profit. Consider the conflicts in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria, where Britain's involvement often seemed more motivated by resource access than national interests of those countries. Millions of innocent civilians died, with British-made weaponry further exacerbating the crises. When people from these war-torn regions seek refuge in Britain, it's essential to recognise that limited options drove them here (and our greed as Brits).
The aid directed to these impoverished nations often ends up enriching a select few politicians while allowing us to access their valuable raw materials with ease. For example, consider France's exploitation of uranium in Niger, purchasing it at a mere $0.82 per kilogram when the market price hovers around $200 per kilogram. French households benefit from Niger's energy resources, yet a staggering 90% of Niger's population lacks access to electricity. Meanwhile USA and France support military action in Niger to allow them to continue to steal resources from Africa.
We should also reflect on the profits that Britain continues to accrue from former colonies and current "Commonwealth" countries. Despite these economic gains, a significant portion of their populations continues to endure abject poverty. France, for instance, reaps over $500 billion annually from its former colonies. It is imperative that we cease the exploitation of other nations and engage in more equitable and sustainable practices. The Slave trade may have ended but modern slavery and exploitation thrives.