Fact Check: Is Slavery Still Around?
What We Know
Modern slavery, often referred to as contemporary slavery or neo-slavery, is a significant global issue that persists into the 21st century. Estimates suggest that around 40 million to 50 million people are currently living in some form of slavery worldwide (Slavery in the 21st century, Global Slavery Index - Walk Free). The International Labour Organization (ILO) reports that approximately 24.9 million individuals are subjected to forced labor, which includes 16 million in the private sector, 4.8 million in forced sexual exploitation, and 4 million in forced labor imposed by state authorities (Slavery in the 21st century). Additionally, an estimated 15.4 million people are trapped in forced marriages (Global Slavery Index - Walk Free).
The definition of modern slavery encompasses various practices, including forced labor, human trafficking, debt bondage, and forced marriage. The U.S. Department of State defines modern slavery as involving the act of recruiting, harboring, or obtaining a person for compelled labor or commercial sex acts through force, fraud, or coercion (Slavery in the 21st century).
Analysis
The claim that slavery still exists today is supported by substantial evidence from reputable sources. The Global Slavery Index provides a comprehensive overview of modern slavery, detailing its prevalence across 160 countries and highlighting the vulnerability factors that contribute to the issue (Global Slavery Index - Walk Free). The report indicates that the number of individuals living in modern slavery has increased by 10 million since 2016, emphasizing the growing urgency of the problem (Global Slavery Index - Walk Free).
Moreover, the 2023 Global Slavery Index notes that no government is on track to meet the UN Sustainable Development Goal 8.7, which aims to end modern slavery in all its forms (The Global Slavery Index 2023 - World | ReliefWeb). This lack of progress underscores the systemic nature of modern slavery and the challenges in eradicating it.
While some sources may present varying estimates of the number of people affected by modern slavery, the consensus among organizations like the ILO and Walk Free indicates that the issue is both widespread and persistent. The credibility of these sources is bolstered by their reliance on extensive data collection, including survivor interviews and national surveys (Global Slavery Index - Walk Free, Current News - Tracking the transition to a decarbonised, digitised …).
Conclusion
The claim that slavery still exists today is True. With millions of individuals affected by various forms of modern slavery, including forced labor and human trafficking, the evidence clearly supports the assertion that slavery is not just a relic of the past but a current and pressing global issue.
