Human Slavery
Modern slavery is a pervasive global crisis, affecting an estimated 49.6 million people worldwide as of 2021. This represents a significant increase of roughly 10 million people since 2016.
The problem is deeply embedded in the global economy and manifests in several key ways:
1. Key Forms of Modern Slavery
Modern slavery is an umbrella term for situations of exploitation that a person cannot refuse or leave due to threats, violence, coercion, or abuse of power.
- Forced Labor: Affects 27.6 million people. It occurs across various sectors, including services, manufacturing, construction, agriculture, and domestic work.
- Forced Marriage: Affects 22 million people. Over two-thirds of those in forced marriages are women and girls.
- Human Trafficking: The recruitment and transport of people for exploitation, including forced labor or commercial sexual exploitation.
- Debt Bondage: The most widespread form of slavery, where individuals are forced to work to pay off a debt while losing control over their conditions.
