Modern Day Slavery

Summary

Despite being abolished by the UN in 1948, modern slavery persists in 167 countries, affecting over 40 million people. Often hidden in plain sight, it's prevalent in poorer nations where laws are lax. Even developed countries like the UK aren't immune, with thousands in forced labor. The fight against it includes laws like the UK's Modern Slavery Act of 2050, but enforcement and victim protection remain a challenge. The narrative calls for consumers to be vigilant about global supply chains to prevent exploitation.

Takeaways

• 🌐 Modern slavery is a global issue, existing in 167 countries.
• 📜 The UN abolished slavery in 1948, but it persists in various forms.
• 👥 Over 40 million people are estimated to be living in slavery today.
• 💼 Slavery is most prevalent in poor or developing countries with lax law enforcement.
• 🎬 Hollywood movies depict the brutal history, but modern slavery is still a reality.
• 🌍 Rich countries are not exempt; the UK has up to 13,000 people working as slaves.
• 🌾 Migrants escaping Africa for Italy are sometimes forced into labor.
• 🇹🇭 Thailand's seafood export industry, worth $7 billion, uses slave labor.
• 📊 The Modern Slavery Act in the UK focuses on prevention and prosecution of slavery.
• 🔍 UK businesses are now required to report on their efforts to combat slavery in supply chains.
• 👀 Consumer awareness of global supply chains could help protect the vulnerable from exploitation.

Q & A

When was modern slavery abolished by the UN?

Modern slavery was abolished by the UN in 1948.

In how many countries is modern slavery still a reality?

Modern slavery is a reality in 167 countries.

What is the role of international community in preventing slavery?

The international community has adopted various laws to prevent slavery.

How many people does the UN estimate live in some form of slavery today?

The UN estimates that over 40 million people live in some form of slavery today.

Where is modern slavery most common?

Modern slavery is most common in poor or developing countries where laws are not enforced.

What are some examples of industries that may involve slave labor?

Slave labor can be found in industries such as private homes, brothels, nail bars, cannabis farms, farms producing tomatoes, and the seafood export industry.

What is the situation of migrants escaping from Africa to Italy?

Thousands of migrants escaping from Africa to Italy are forced to labor seven days a week in farms.

What are the conditions like for those working in Thailand's seafood export industry?

In Thailand's 7 billion dollar seafood export industry, slave labor works in life-threatening conditions.

What actions are countries and international organizations taking to crack down on modern slavery?

Countries and international organizations are cracking down on the trade by implementing laws and regulations.

What is the Modern Slavery Act and when was it passed in the UK?

The Modern Slavery Act was passed in the UK in 2050, focusing on the prevention and prosecution of slavery.

What is required of big businesses in the UK under the Modern Slavery Act?

Under the Modern Slavery Act, big businesses in the UK are required to publicly report on how they tackle slavery in their global supply chains.

What is the effectiveness of the measures taken against modern slavery in the UK between 2015 and 2016?

Between 2015 and 2016, it's thought that at best, 28 percent of referrals resulted in police recording a crime related to modern slavery in the UK.

What role can consumers play in preventing exploitation in global supply chains?

Consumers can play a role in preventing exploitation by paying more attention to the origins and conditions of the products they purchase.