Slavery and human trafficking are two of the most prevalent violations of human rights in the modern world. Regardless of international law and the efforts of campaigners, millions of people are still subjected to forced labour, sex slavery, debt bondage and other forms of oppression. The International Labour Organization estimates that modern slavery impacts over 50 million people around the world.
Human trafficking is the recruiting, transporting and confining people by means of force, fraud, or coercion with the aim of exploiting them. It is one of the key methods by which modern slavery is organised. These processes are deeply ingrained within the economies of the world, making them hard to eliminate.
Causes of modern slavery
Economic vulnerability is one of the major causes of modern slavery. Poor and insecure people are easily lured by false recruitment in which they are promised a job or a better life if they relocate. In most cases traffickers take advantage of those people who are desperate to find opportunities in foreign countries or in big cities. This is especially the case in developing countries where access to education and jobs is minimal, making people more vulnerable to exploitation. In essence, modern slavery is the product of a global capitalism which constantly demands cheap, exploitable labour.
Modern slavery is gendered. Women and girls who lack economic opportunities and social protection are exploited through prostitution, household servitude and forced marriage. Feminist scholars have identified patriarchal values as being fundamental to this oppression. Meanwhile, men and boys are forced to labour in agriculture, mining and construction.
Globalisation is an important cause of human trafficking. This results from increased mobility, digital communication and transnational networks that have facilitated trafficking across international borders. At the same time, globalisation has created labour markets that are strongly dependent on informal and unregulated labour. Migrant workers are especially at risk since they are legally vulnerable, face language barriers and are without social support systems.
Responses to slavery and trafficking
The development of legal and institutional responses to modern slavery has changed greatly in recent decades. International organizations such as the United Nations have introduced protocols and directions aimed at preventing, suppressing and punishing human trafficking. Many states have introduced anti-trafficking laws and have developed specialised agencies in order to fight these offences. Nevertheless, such laws are not always enforced and corruption, weak institutions and a shortage of resources often hinder proper implementation. It is also clear that legal measures must be supplemented by both social and economic policies to deal with the underlying causes of trafficking.
Advocacy and awareness have important roles. Non-governmental organisations, the media and survivor-led organisations have been effective in raising awareness of modern slavery. This has helped to change people’s perceptions so that they come to see trafficking not just as a criminal problem but also a question of human rights. Community education and participation are especially crucial in countering trafficking by informing vulnerable groups about the risks they face and the support systems that are available to them.
Summary
The problems of modern slavery and human trafficking are complex and require simple, long-lasting solutions. Legal systems and international collaboration are critical, but addressing the underlying problems of poverty, gender segregation and illiteracy is equally important. These forms of exploitation must be fought in a comprehensive manner that includes economic development, social security and human needs. Finally, the elimination of modern slavery and the promotion of human dignity requires coordinated efforts by governments, by civil society and by the world community as a whole.
By Zacham Bayei