This report draws on extensive research and first-hand testimony from Haratine women. Besides highlighting the everyday reality of abuse and oppression experienced by those in servitude – ranging from exploitative labour, intimidation and confinement to rape, violence and the enforced separation of families – it also explores how formerly enslaved Haratines and their descendants still face widespread stigmatization and lack access to necessities such as education, land rights and political participation. As a result, many former slaves struggle to integrate into Mauritanian society even once they have nominally secured their freedom.