Forced labour and marriage have increased significantly over the last five years, according to a new UN report released on Monday.
The latest Global Estimates of Modern Slavery, published by the International Labour Organization (ILO), International Organization for Migration (IOM) and international human rights group Walk Free, revealed that last year, some 50 million people were living in modern slavery: 28 million in forced labour and 22 million in forced marriages.
“It is shocking that the situation of modern slavery is not improving,” said ILO Director-General Guy Ryder.
“Nothing can justify the persistence of this fundamental abuse of human rights”.
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Cross-cutting slavery
Compared to 2016 global estimates, 10 million more people were in modern slavery in 2021, with women and children disproportionately vulnerable.
Modern slavery occurs in almost every country in the world, and cuts across ethnic, cultural and religious lines.
More than half of all forced labour and a quarter of all forced marriages can be found in upper-middle income or high-income countries.
‘All-hands-on-deck approach’ needed
Eighty-six per cent of forced labour cases are found in the private sector, with forced commercial sexual exploitation representing 23 per cent – almost four out of five victims of whom are females.
State-imposed forced labour accounts for 14 per cent, of which nearly one in eight, or 3.3 million, are children.
More than half are in commercial sexual exploitation.
“We know what needs to be done, and we know it can be done,” said the top ILO official. “Effective national policies and regulation are fundamental”.
But governments cannot do it alone, he continued, explaining that international standards provide “a sound basis,” and that an “all-hands-on-deck approach” is needed.
“Trade unions, employers’ organizations, civil society and ordinary people all have critical roles to play”.
ILO/J. Aliling
Edward, 22, has worked for three years as a houseboy in a posh neighborhood in the Philippines, thankful that he has a job.
Forced marriage
Last year, an estimated 22 million people were living in forced marriage, representing a 6.6 million increase over 2016 global estimates.
The true incidence of forced marriage, particularly involving children aged 16 and younger, is likely far greater than estimates capture since they are based on a narrow definition that excludes some child marriages. They are considered forced because a minor cannot legally consent to marry.
Forced marriages are highly context specific as they are linked to long-established patriarchal attitudes and practices. The report shows that more than 85 per cent are driven by family pressure.
Based on regional population size, 65 per cent of forced marriages are found in Asia and the Pacific. Arab States have the highest prevalence, with 4.8 out of every 1,000 people in the region in a forced marriage.
Migrant workers
Meanwhile, migrant workers are over three times more likely to be in forced labour than other adult workers.
While labour migration has a largely positive effect on individuals, households, communities and societies, irregular or poorly governed migration, or unfair and unethical recruitment practices render migrants particularly vulnerable.
Photo: ILO
In 2021, 50 million people were living in modern slavery, according to the latest Global Estimates of Modern Slavery: 28 million were forced labour and 22 million in forced marriage.
Recommendations
The report proposes swift actions toward ending modern slavery.
They include improving and enforcing laws and labour inspections; ending State-imposed forced labour; stronger measures to combat forced labour and trafficking; extending social protection, and strengthening legal protections, including raising the legal age of marriage to 18.
Other measures involve addressing the increased risk of trafficking and forced labour for migrant workers, promoting fair and ethical recruitment, and greater support for women, girls and vulnerable individuals.
Reverse ‘shocking trends’
“This report underscores the urgency of ensuring that all migration is safe, orderly, and regular,” said IOM Director-General António Vitorino.
“Reducing the vulnerability of migrants to forced labour and trafficking in persons depends first and foremost on national policy and legal frameworks that respect, protect, and fulfil the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all migrants – and potential migrants – at all stages of the migration process, regardless of their migration status”.
He maintained that all of society must work together to “reverse these shocking trends,’ including through implementation of the Global Compact on Migration.
Lila Montgomery is a celebrated journalist who has a deep commitment to global affairs and humanitarian issues. Her extensive reporting on United Nations initiatives across the globe has brought critical stories to the forefront, stories that affect communities everywhere.
How can we contribute to combating this alarming increase in modern slavery? What actions can individuals take to make a difference in this critical issue?
Empathy and awareness are key in combating the alarming increase in modern slavery. Individuals can make a difference by supporting organizations fighting against modern slavery, educating themselves and others on the issue, and advocating for stricter laws and policies to protect victims. Every small action counts in this critical fight against injustice.
It’s truly disheartening to see that the numbers of people trapped in modern slavery are on the rise. Women and children are particularly vulnerable, and it’s high time for a collective effort to combat this grave violation of human rights.
It’s appalling how modern slavery numbers keep rising, especially the fact that more women and children are falling victims to this heinous crime. Society needs to come together to combat this pervasive issue and protect the most vulnerable.
It’s truly saddening to see how modern slavery continues to persist and even worsen over time. The statistics reveal a grim reality that demands urgent action and a global consciousness shift to eradicate this inhumane practice.
In my opinion, the persistence of modern slavery is absolutely appalling. It’s devastating to see that the numbers are only increasing, especially for women and children who are the most vulnerable in this situation. We need a unified global effort to combat this grave violation of human rights.
It is heartbreaking to read about the alarming increase in forced labor and marriages highlighted in the new UN report. The fact that 50 million individuals are still trapped in modern slavery is utterly unacceptable. We must take immediate action to end this grave violation of human rights.
It’s truly heartbreaking to see how modern slavery is still on the rise, trapping 50 million people in forced labor and marriages. This horrific abuse of human rights must be vehemently opposed and eradicated. We need a collective effort from all nations to combat and end this despicable form of exploitation.
Do you think the increase in modern slavery is related to specific economic or social factors, or is it a more widespread issue that requires a global solution?
Hi EmilySmith, the increase in modern slavery is indeed influenced by various economic, social, and political factors that differ across regions. While poverty, inequality, and lack of opportunities play a role in pushing individuals into slavery, there are also broader systemic issues such as corruption and weak law enforcement that perpetuate this heinous practice. Addressing modern slavery requires a multifaceted approach involving international cooperation, stronger regulations, and widespread awareness. It’s a complex issue that demands a united effort on a global scale.
It is truly heart-wrenching to see that the numbers of people trapped in modern slavery are on the rise. We must come together as a global community to tackle this grave violation of human rights. Every individual deserves to live a life of freedom and dignity. The persistence of modern slavery is completely unacceptable.