Official Statement by UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
As we commemorate the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery (observed on 2 December), we need to recognize that the legacy of the transatlantic trade of enslaved Africans reverberates to this day, scarring our societies and impeding equitable development.
We must also identify and eradicate contemporary forms of slavery, such as trafficking in persons, sexual exploitation, child labor, forced marriage, and the use of children in armed conflict. The latest Global Estimates of Modern Slavery on forced labor and forced marriage reveal that, in 2021, some 50 million* persons were thus enslaved, and this number has been growing.
The most marginalized groups remain particularly vulnerable, including ethnic, religious, and linguistic minorities, migrants, children, and persons with diverse gender identities and sexual orientations. The majority of these vulnerable persons are women.
On this International Day, I call on Governments and societies to recommit to eradicating slavery. Increased action needs to be taken with the full participation of all stakeholders, including the private sector, trade unions, civil society, and human rights institutions. I also urge all countries to protect and uphold the rights of victims and survivors of slavery.
* 40 Million through a recent study published in Sage Journals.
Modern Slavery Is Happening Right Now.
It’s hard to believe that in 2022/23, there are still people who are being trafficked and forced into marriages. But it’s true. According to the International Labour Organization, there are an estimated 40 million people around the world who are victims of modern slavery.
What Is Modern Slavery?
Modern slavery is the illegal recruitment, movement, harboring, or receipt of people using threat, force, coercion, deception, or other means for the purpose of exploitation. Exploitation can include forcing someone to work against their will, slavery, or similar practices such as servitude, debt bondage, and forced marriage.
There are many different forms of modern slavery. For example, human trafficking is when someone is recruited, moved, or harbored by means of threat or force so they can be exploited for labor or sexual services.
Forced labor is when someone is made to work against their will under the threat of violence or other penalties—and they often don’t receive payment for their work. And forced marriage is when one or both spouses do not consent to the marriage and duress is involved.
Why Is This Happening?
Unfortunately, there are a number of reasons why modern slavery exists. For one thing, people who are living in poverty are more likely to be targeted by traffickers because they’re desperate for a way out. Additionally, political instability and conflict can create situations where people are displaced and vulnerable to trafficking and other forms of exploitation.
Sadly even in 2022, there is a demand for cheap labor and products—which creates an incentive for traffickers to supply them.
What Can We Do?
There are a number of things we can do to help prevent modern slavery. For one thing, we can support organizations that work to rescue and support survivors of modern slavery. We can also try to buy products that have been ethically sourced— which can help decrease the demand for products that are made with forced labor.
Finally, we can spread awareness about this issue so that more people know what’s happening and can take action to stop it.
Conclusion:
Modern slavery is a huge problem that’s happening all over the world—but it’s one that we can do something about. By supporting organizations like the United Nations that bring awareness and puts pressure on governments. By helping organizations that support survivors, buying ethically sourced products, and spreading awareness about this issue.
Sources: THX News, Sage Journals & United Nations.
