The report recently published by the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) and Walk Free, an international organisation dedicated to ending slavery, on the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons (July 30th), brought to light some significant revelations. This report was a comprehensive analysis of the progress made by Commonwealth countries, which account for around 40% of the world’s modern slavery population, on their 2018 promise to terminate all forms of modern slavery by 2030.
Report Findings- Progress and Deficiencies
According to the report, approximately 1 in every 150 people residing in the Commonwealth countries live under conditions of modern slavery. The assessment unveiled that these countries have achieved minimal progress towards eradication of modern slavery, falling short on substantial actions required to eliminate it by 2030. Only one-third of these countries have criminalised forced marriage. As many as 23 countries among them have not yet enacted legislation against commercial sexual exploitation of children. A pervasive lack of aid for victims was observed across all Commonwealth countries.
India’s Evaluation
India, specifically, has faltered greatly in terms of formulation and implementation of coordinated efforts. The country currently lacks a national body or a National Action Plan to tackle the issue of modern day slavery. Shockingly, India accounts for one in every three child brides globally. Like other Commonwealth countries in Asia, India has not ratified the International Labour Organisation’s 2011 Domestic Workers Convention or the 2014 Forced Labour Protocol. These two conventions are geared towards protecting victims of forced labour and punishing the perpetrators.
Protection Measures Established in India
Despite the grim situation, India has taken definitive steps to combat various forms of slavery. These measures are deeply embedded in constitutional provisions, legal provisions, and other initiatives.
Constitutional Provisions
The Constitution of India enshrines several rights and directives related to slavery, trafficking, and exploitation. Article 21 guarantees the Right to Life and Personal Liberty, while Articles 23 and 24 prohibit forced labour and child labour respectively. Additional directives are intended to safeguard workers’ health and mandate humane work conditions.
Legal Provisions
Several sections in the Indian Penal Code (IPC) are designed to counter human trafficking and related atrocities, including Sections 366A, 366B, 370 and 374. In addition, a series of Acts have been enacted to eliminate different forms of slavery.
Other Initiatives
India has ratified international conventions and agreements aimed at preventing and combating trafficking. An Anti-Trafficking Nodal Cell has been established to coordinate anti-trafficking efforts. Judicial conferences on human trafficking and training workshops for law enforcement agencies are organised regularly. The Ministry of Home Affairs has also allocated funds for the establishment of Anti Human Trafficking Units.
Modern Slavery Defined
The term ‘modern slavery’ encompasses situations where individuals are exploited beyond their will due to threats, violence, coercion, and abuse of power or deception. These individuals might be confined in debt bondage on fishing boats, forcibly employed as domestic servants or trapped in brothels.
About Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI)
CHRI is an impartial, international NGO working towards realising human rights across the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth association consists of 54 independent and equal sovereign states, many of which were part of the former British Empire. Today, this association is based on free and equal voluntary cooperation. Two members – Rwanda and Mozambique have no historical ties to the British Empire.
Last Modified: February 8, 2024