A petition calling for action to free more than 12 million modern day slaves has broken the 25,000 mark.

The Royal Gazette's Break The Chains campaign has been marking the bicentenary of the abolition of the slave trade by urging world leaders to end all forms of human captivity, including human trafficking, child labour, bonded labour and forced marriage.

For the past few months, we have been encouraging people to sign an on-line petition over the matter as part of Anti-Slavery International's Fight For Freedom project.

The number of names on the list has now passed 25,000 — but campaigners yesterday stressed the need for as many people as possible to try to make a difference by adding their signatures.

If you have not signed it yet, all you have to do is log onto the internet and follow a few simple instructions on your computer screen.

Anti-Slavery International says the pressure it has applied through its campaign has had a major effect already.

In recent months, the British Government has published proposals to make teaching the Transatlantic Slave Trade in schools compulsory, and is also discussing the possibility of an annual national slavery commemorative day.

UK Prime Minister Tony Blair has also pledged that Government efforts would be stepped up this year to "tackle inequality for people of African and Caribbean heritage in the UK; the challenges facing the African continent; and the cruelty of modern-day slavery".

In Bermuda, Rev. Nick Dill organised a Cathedral service to mark the 200th anniversary of the Slave Trade Act in March — an event which saw hundreds of people remember Bermuda's slavery past and acknowledge the plight of slaves today.

Yesterday, Rev. Dill said he was pleased the campaign had reached the 25,000 milestone, but warned much more work remained to be done. He called for everyone to do what they can.

"People can change things. We saw that with the emancipation of the slave trade. We have seen what's happened this week in Northern Ireland," said Rev. Dill.

"Change comes from the grass roots. It comes as people begin to put pressure on the people who make decisions. Big changes can happen from small people doing their little part.

"One signature on a petition — you may not think it can do anything. But campaigns can gather momentum and all of a sudden the tide will break and things will happen.

"We live in a world where politicians have to listen more and more to what people are saying. It's a good time to make a difference."

Break The Chains has highlighted how many countries across the world today are still plagued by slavery — including forced labour in South America and Africa and child slavery in Haiti to name just a few.

We have also urged people to draw inspiration from historical figures who helped change the course of history in years gone by.

William Wilberforce was the trailblazing English politician who went against the opinion of many of his peers to tirelessly campaign for the abolition of slavery in the British Empire — successfully calling for the Slave Trade Act two centuries ago.

Wilberforce's efforts were helped by Bermudian slave Mary Prince, whose book — the first account of the life of a black woman published in England — galvanised the anti-slavery movement.

Another former slave, Olaudah Equiano, a crew member of a Bermudian sloop, bought his own freedom before publishing a book of his life and campaigning alongside Wilberforce.

An Anti-Slavery International spokeswoman said yesterday: "Thank you to all of you who have supported the campaign and taken action. It is important that we keep the pressure on to ensure governments take meaningful steps to make slavery a thing of the past once and for all.

"Please encourage your friends, family and colleagues to become modern day abolitionists and sign the Fight for Freedom 1807-2007 Declaration today!"

To sign the petition, go to www.antislavery.org/2007/actionsign and fill in your details. To comment on Break The Chains, call 278-8359 or email tsmith@royalgazette.bm