Central Idea

Report published: Published last week, the global slavery index provides an overview of modern slavery.
50 million people in modern slavery: The report reveals that approximately 50 million individuals were living in “modern slavery” on any given day in 2021.
Existing slavery: Out of the 50 million affected, 28 million suffer from forced labor, while 22 million experience forced marriages. Shockingly, 12 million of those impacted are children.

Definition of Modern Slavery

Exploitation and inability to refuse or leave: “Modern slavery” encompasses situations where individuals are exploited and cannot decline or escape due to threats, violence, coercion, deception, or abuses of power.
Broad range of abuses: Modern slavery is an umbrella term that covers various forms of exploitation, including forced labor, forced marriage, debt bondage, sexual exploitation, human trafficking, slavery-like practices, forced or servile marriage, and the sale and exploitation of children.

Constructed by Walk Free: The Index is created by Walk Free, a human rights organization.
Based on Global Estimates of Modern Slavery: The index relies on data provided by the Global Estimates of Modern Slavery, which is produced by the International Labour Organization (ILO), Walk Free, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Fifth edition: The recently published Global Slavery Index is the fifth edition and is based on the estimates from 2022.
Country-wise estimates: While initial estimates are regional, the index employs representative surveys to determine country-specific estimates.
Metrics: The index examines the prevalence of modern slavery by calculating the incidence per 1000 population.

Highest prevalence of modern slavery: The following ten countries have the highest prevalence: North Korea, Eritrea, Mauritania, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Tajikistan, United Arab Emirates, Russia, Afghanistan, and Kuwait.
Countries with lowest prevalence: Switzerland, Norway, Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, Belgium, Ireland, Japan, and Finland have the lowest prevalence of modern slavery.
Countries hosting the most people in modern slavery: The top ten countries are India, China, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, Indonesia, Nigeria, Turkey, Bangladesh, and the United States.

Lack of internationally agreed definition: One criticism is the absence of a universally accepted definition for modern slavery, unlike trafficking in persons which has an agreed-upon definition.
Calculation based on “risk score”: Factors determining the risk often align with those used to classify countries as developed or developing, potentially leading to biased conclusions.
Discrepancies in statistics: For instance, the index highlights the UK as having the “strongest government response to modern slavery,” but later mentions a decline in the UK’s overall response and potential violation of international law.

Workers in countries like India: Countries such as India face significant challenges concerning modern slavery, as evidenced by the hardships experienced by workers during the COVID lockdown and subsequent reverse migration.
Status of women: Women, particularly in terms of economic freedoms, face significant disparities, contributing to issues related to modern slavery.

Importance of addressing worker precarity: It is crucial to address the precarious situations faced by workers, particularly in the post-pandemic era and during G20 presidencies.
Responsibilities of countries: Countries, especially G20 nations, bear the responsibility to combat issues like trafficking and modern slavery, rather than stigmatizing poorer nations and absolving richer nations of their obligations.

India has passed laws like the Bonded Labour Abolition Act of 1976 to address modern slavery.
However, implementation challenges, corruption, legal loopholes, and lack of political hinder effective enforcement of these laws.
Moreover, there are lacunas in the proper identification and enumeration of people trapped in modern slavery conditions.

Strengthen Measures and Legislation: Enact stronger laws to prevent the sourcing of goods and services associated with modern slavery.
Embed Anti-Slavery Measures in Climate Change Plans: Integrate anti-slavery efforts into sustainability plans, acknowledging the link between climate change and vulnerability to modern slavery.
Enhance Education and Tighten Regulations: Provide accessible education while tightening regulations on forced labor, child marriage, and exploitative practices.
Prioritize Rehabilitation and Support: Prioritize comprehensive support systems for the rehabilitation of bonded laborers, including financial aid, education, job security, and fair compensation.
Hold G20 Nations Accountable and Foster Cooperation: Ensure accountability among G20 nations and promote collaborative efforts to eliminate modern slavery.