Every year on 2 December, the world observes the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery. This United Nations observance highlights the urgent need to eliminate modern forms of slavery, including forced labour, child exploitation, trafficking, sexual abuse, and the recruitment of children into armed conflict. The day serves as a reminder that slavery did not cease to exist through history; it has evolved and persists in various forms.
The observance commemorates the 1949 UN Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others. Its focus today is on tackling contemporary slavery rather than historical systems, emphasizing the importance of human dignity, legal protection, and global awareness.
Modern slavery lacks a legal definition; however, it broadly refers to situations where individuals are controlled and cannot refuse or escape exploitation. This exploitation often arises from threats, coercion, deception, or abuse of power. Key elements include forced labour, debt bondage, trafficking in persons, forced marriage, and child labour. Women and children are particularly vulnerable due to factors like discrimination, poverty, and limited economic opportunities.
According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), approximately 50 million people were living in modern slavery in 2021, marking a 10 million increase since 2016. Alarmingly, more than half of these cases are found in upper-middle and high-income countries, illustrating that exploitation is a global issue transcending borders and economic systems.
The ILO estimates that around 27.6 million individuals are victims of forced labour, with numbers rising by 2.7 million between 2016 and 2021. Most forced labour occurs in the private sector, affecting industries such as construction, manufacturing, services, agriculture, domestic work, and sexual exploitation. Other significant areas include forced begging and activities related to criminal networks.
Modern slavery poses a significant economic threat. Forced labour generates approximately US$236 billion annually, leading to lost income for workers, persistent poverty for families, decreased tax revenues for governments, and the expansion of criminal networks. These stolen wages undermine national economies and fuel corruption.
No region is immune to modern slavery. Asia and the Pacific report the highest number of forced labour victims at 15.1 million, followed by Europe and Central Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Arab States. In terms of prevalence, the Arab States have the highest rate, followed closely by Europe, Central Asia, and the Americas.
The observance focuses on three major aspects. First, forced labour remains widespread, particularly through trafficking, where migrant workers and vulnerable groups face exploitation. Second, child labour affects one in ten children globally, with many engaged in work detrimental to their education, health, and development. Lastly, trafficking in persons encompasses recruitment, transport, and exploitation for forced labour, sexual exploitation, servitude, or organ removal. Importantly, the trafficking of children is punishable even without the use of force, as their consent lacks legal validity.
The ILO’s 2016 Forced Labour Protocol enhances enforcement and survivor protection globally. The UN observance on 2 December encourages nations to strengthen laws, improve victim support, protect migrants, and invest in awareness campaigns. It promotes collaboration among governments, civil society organisations, and global agencies to combat modern slavery.
Q1. Why is the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery important?
Answer: This day raises awareness about modern slavery and promotes efforts to eliminate it, emphasizing human dignity and legal protections for victims.
Q2. What are the main forms of modern slavery?
Answer: Modern slavery includes forced labour, child exploitation, trafficking, debt bondage, and forced marriage, often affecting the most vulnerable populations.
Q3. How many people are affected by modern slavery globally?
Answer: Approximately 50 million people were estimated to be living in modern slavery in 2021, according to the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
Q4. What are the economic impacts of modern slavery?
Answer: Modern slavery generates about US$236 billion annually, leading to lost income for workers, decreased government revenues, and the expansion of criminal networks.
Q5. How can countries combat modern slavery?
Answer: Nations can strengthen laws, improve victim support, protect migrants, and invest in awareness campaigns to combat modern slavery effectively.
Question 1: What is the primary focus of the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery?
A) Historical slavery
B) Modern forms of slavery
C) Child rights
D) Economic policies
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Which organization estimates modern slavery figures globally?
A) WHO
B) ILO
C) UNHCR
D) UNICEF
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: Which region has the highest number of forced labour victims?
A) Americas
B) Europe
C) Asia and the Pacific
D) Arab States
Correct Answer: C
Kutos : AI Assistant!
