The Walk Free Foundation’s new report, ‘The Global Slavery Index 2023,’ underlines an alarming increase in modern slavery incidents worldwide. The number of individuals subjected to such conditions has reached 50 million, marking a disturbing 25% rise over the past five years. The report notably points to G20 nations’ role in exacerbating this crisis through their trade operations and global supply chains. Top G20 countries with the maximum number of forced labourers include India, China, Russia, Indonesia, Turkey, and the U.S.
Understanding Modern Slavery
Modern slavery comprises various exploitative forms like forced labour, forced marriage, debt bondage, commercial sexual exploitation, human trafficking, slavery-like practices, and the sale and exploitation of children. The insidious impact of modern slavery profoundly affects individuals, communities, and societies. It not only violates human rights and undermines human dignity but also erodes social cohesion. Additionally, it impedes economic growth, boosts inequality, triggers corruption, and poses a threat to global security and stability by propagating conflict, terrorism, and organised crime.
Key Highlights of Global Slavery Index 2023
According to the report, approximately 50 million people were living in modern slavery on any given day in 2021, marking an increase of 10 million since 2016. This indicates that one in every 160 people worldwide is a victim of modern slavery. The index ranks 160 countries based on the estimated prevalence of modern slavery per 1,000 people. Countries with the highest prevalence include North Korea, Eritrea, and Mauritania, where modern slavery is often state-sponsored. Conversely, countries like Switzerland, Norway, and Germany showcase strong governance and effective responses to modern slavery, resulting in significantly lower prevalence.
Factors Contributing to Modern Slavery
The report attributes the rise in modern slavery to factors such as climate change, armed conflict, weak governance, and health emergencies like the Covid-19 pandemic. G20 nations are deemed responsible for more than half of all people living in modern slavery, primarily due to importing products worth USD 468 billion from countries with weak worker protection, worsening forced labour conditions.
The Role of Global Supply Chains
Complex and opaque global supply chains, encompassing sourcing, manufacturing, packaging, and transportation, are heavily intertwined with forced labour. The report reveals that G20 countries collectively import billions of dollars worth of textiles and apparel goods annually at risk of being generated by forced labour.
Textiles Industry – A Case Study in Modern Slavery
The report exposes the significant contribution of the textile industry to forced labour. It highlights exploitative conditions, including forced and unpaid work, health and safety risks, low wages, lack of benefits, and debt bondage, in weaving mills in Tamil Nadu under the Sumangali scheme.
International Efforts and Challenges
Despite adopting a goal to eradicate modern slavery, forced labour, and human trafficking by 2030, the report emphasizes the lack of progress in government action. It attributes the increase in modern slavery cases to compounded crises, including armed conflicts, environmental degradation, global rollback of women’s rights, economic and social impacts of COVID-19.
Recommendations from the Report
The Global Slavery Index suggests implementing robust measures and legislation to prevent governments and businesses from sourcing goods and services linked to modern slavery. It also recommends incorporating anti-slavery measures into climate change sustainability plans, educating children, tightening regulations around child marriage, ensuring transparency in value chains.
India’s Stance on Modern Slavery
India has enacted laws such as the Bonded Labour Abolition Act of 1976 and the Central scheme for Rehabilitation of Bonded Labour to combat modern slavery. The Supreme Court has ruled that non-payment of minimum wages amounts to “forced labour” under Article 23 of the Constitution. However, challenges persist in law implementation, corruption, legal loopholes, and politics.
Addressing Modern Slavery: The Need of the Hour
A multi-pronged approach is required to address modern slavery effectively. Governments must enact and enforce laws criminalising all forms of modern slavery and protect victims’ rights. Businesses need to ensure their operations and supply chains are free from forced labour and human trafficking. Civil society must raise awareness, advocate for change, and provide survivor support. Individuals should educate themselves about modern slavery issues, demand transparency from companies, and report any suspected incidents of modern slavery.
Walk Free, an international human rights group, is committed to eradicating modern slavery in all its forms within our lifetime.