. "The history of international law shows its many weaknesses, particularly with respect to the evolution of laws against slavery and slave trading. Most developments in this area occurred, firstly, within the domestic laws of each state, and then only later and very gradually through treaties created to eradicate the practice. Even today, slavery is said to exist in many forms across the globe. Further, states that allow the practice to continue within their borders can escape the customary rules regarding slavery by arguing that they have persistently objected to the applicability of these rules to themselves." Critically assess the above statement.