Riccardo Liguori Despite its official abolition, slavery persists into the 21st century with 50 million victims worldwide. Forced labor, sexual exploitation and forced marriages are just some of the modern forms of this plague that knows no borders
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December 2 is meant to celebrate freedom and human dignity. Yet in 2024, the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery serves as a stark reminder that millions worldwide remain trapped in modern forms of enslavement.
“Human trafficking. Forced labor. Sexual exploitation. Forced marriage. These outrageous abuses have no place in the 21st century,” says António Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations.
This plea echoes across a world still plagued by deep inequalities and injustices. According to data from the International Labor Organization (ILO) and the Walk Free Foundation, an estimated 50 million people are victims of modern slavery. Of these, 28 million are subjected to forced labor, and 22 million are in forced marriages.
Modern slavery transcends geographical, ethnic, and religious boundaries. “Modern slavery occurs in nearly every country in the world”, warns the UN, noting that more than half of forced labor cases and a quarter of forced marriages occur in high-income countries.
The new faces of slavery
Historically, slavery was associated with people in chains, bought and sold as property. Today, its manifestations are often hidden, embedded in economic systems fueled by globalization, poverty, and discrimination.
Forced labor
Forced labor is one of the most widespread forms of modern slavery. Millions are coerced into working under inhumane conditions, often with threats of violence, in industries like agriculture, construction, fishing, and textiles. Many victims are migrants, especially women and children, deceived with false job promises and mercilessly exploited.
Sexual exploitation
Sexual exploitation is another grim aspect of modern slavery. Women and girls are forced into prostitution, often through human trafficking and violence. This lucrative criminal enterprise inflicts lasting scars on its victims and fuels organized crime.
Forced marriages
Forced marriages primarily affect women and girls. Young girls, often still children, are married off to much older men, stripping them of their rights to education, freedom, and dignity. This practice violates fundamental rights and condemns victims to a life of suffering.
Other hidden forms
Modern slavery also manifests in other, less visible ways, including domestic servitude, debt bondage, and the recruitment of child soldiers. In these situations, individuals are stripped of their freedom and dignity, reduced to mere objects controlled by their exploiters.
A global issue demanding a global response
Addressing modern slavery requires collective action from governments, international organizations, civil society, and individuals.
“No one is safe alone, and no one is free as long as someone else is enslaved,” writes Aldo Bonaiuto. This reminder calls for a united fight against slavery to create a fairer and more equitable world.
Contemporary forms of slavery and the struggle for freedom
Modern slavery takes various forms:
- Forced labor: In 2021, the ILO estimated 27.6 million victims of forced labor, including 16.3 million in the private sector and 11.3 million in state-imposed activities.
- Sexual exploitation: The ILO estimates 4.8 million victims of forced sexual exploitation.
- Forced marriages: In 2021, 22 million individuals were in forced marriages.
- Domestic servitude: Approximately 6.3 million people are estimated to be in domestic servitude.
- Debt bondage: Especially prevalent in South Asia, debt bondage traps victims in endless cycles of exploitation.
- Child soldiers: UNICEF estimates tens of thousands of children are recruited into armed conflicts worldwide.
Global efforts to combat modern slavery
To address this crisis, the international community has implemented several initiatives:
- UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The 2030 Agenda includes targets to eliminate all forms of slavery and forced labor.
- ILO Conventions: These provide frameworks for protecting workers and combating forced labor.
- UN Trust Fund for Trafficking Victims: This fund aids victims of human trafficking, especially women and children.
- NGO Initiatives: Many organizations work to raise awareness, prevent slavery, and support survivors.
International day for the abolition of slavery
Established in 1949 by the UN General Assembly, this day marks the adoption of the Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and the Exploitation of Others’ Prostitution. Every December 2, the global community renews its commitment to fight slavery and promote freedom and dignity for all.
This day serves as an opportunity to reflect on the causes and consequences of modern slavery, raise public awareness, and urge governments and institutions to take concrete action.
