Article 17

Official text

Slavery, servitude, and the slave trade in all forms are prohibited.

Legal commentary

Interpretation

This article prohibits slavery, servitude, and human trafficking. Colombia formally abolished slavery in 1851. The reference to human trafficking is particularly relevant as Colombia is a source, transit, and destination country for trafficking victims. This provision aligns with the UN Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons (Palermo Protocol). Unlike the US Thirteenth Amendment, this article explicitly covers trafficking.

Consulted sources

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