Revised the 1890 Brussels Act by committing signatory powers to abolish all forms of slavery, forced labor, and slave trade, bridging to the 1926 Slavery Convention.
Key Facts
- Signed
- 1919
- Preceded by
- Brussels Conference Act of 1890
- Followed by
- 1926 Slavery Convention
- Associated treaty
- Treaty of Saint-Germain
- Practices targeted
- Slavery, forced labor, debt slavery, forced concubinage
By the Numbers
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The Brussels Conference Act of 1890 was the standing international anti-slavery framework, but by 1919 it was considered outdated and in need of revision to address a broader range of exploitative practices that had not been adequately covered under the original agreement.
In 1919, in connection with the Treaty of Saint-Germain, European powers signed the Convention of Saint-Germain-en-Laye, formally revising the 1890 Brussels Act. Signatory nations committed to the total abolition of slavery, slave trade, forced labor, pseudo-adoption, forced concubinage, and debt slavery.
The convention strengthened the international legal framework against slavery and served as an interim instrument until the more comprehensive 1926 Slavery Convention was adopted seven years later under the League of Nations, further codifying global obligations to end slavery.
Political Outcome
Signatory powers committed to the total abolition of all forms of slavery, forced labor, pseudo-adoption, forced concubinage, debt slavery, and slave trade, revising the 1890 Brussels Act.