The world observes the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery every year on December 2. This day, recognized by the United Nations, calls for the elimination of contemporary forms of slavery, such as forced labour, child exploitation, and human trafficking.
The observance commemorates the 1949 UN Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others. The focus today is entirely on tackling modern slavery, emphasizing human rights, legal protection, and global awareness.
International Day for the Abolition of Slavery: Key Facts on Modern Slavery and ILO Statistics
Understanding Modern Slavery
Modern slavery is not strictly defined by law but includes situations where individuals are held or exploited through coercion, deception, threats, or abuse of power, preventing them from refusing or escaping the situation.
- Forms: It encompasses forced labour, debt bondage, trafficking in persons, forced marriage, and severe child labour.
- Vulnerability: Women and children remain the most vulnerable groups, often trapped due to poverty, discrimination, and lack of economic opportunities.
Key Statistics and Global Concern (ILO)
According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO):
- Total Victims: Around 50 million people were living in modern slavery in 2021, an increase of 10 million since 2016.
- Forced Labour: 27.6 million people are victims of forced labour, with the majority occurring in the private sector (e.g., construction, manufacturing, agriculture, domestic work, and sexual exploitation).
- Profitability: Modern slavery is a highly profitable crime, generating approximately US$236 billion every year for criminal networks. This stolen income weakens national economies.
Geographical Spread
- Highest Number of Victims: Asia and the Pacific region has the highest number of forced labour victims (15.1 million).
- Highest Prevalence Rate: The Arab States have the highest prevalence rate (proportion of the population affected).
Major Areas of Focus on December 2nd
- Forced Labour: Widespread in industries, often affecting migrant workers and vulnerable groups through trafficking.
- Child Labour: Affects one in ten children globally, engaged in work that harms their health, education, and development. The trafficking of children is criminalized even without the use of force.
- Trafficking in Persons: Involves the recruitment, transport, or exploitation of individuals for forced labour, sexual abuse, servitude, or organ removal.
Global Initiatives
The ILO’s 2016 Forced Labour Protocol is a key global tool aimed at strengthening enforcement measures and ensuring better protection for survivors. The UN calls on nations to strengthen laws, improve victim support, and invest in awareness campaigns to combat these contemporary forms of exploitation.
Question & Answer
Q1. The International Day for the Abolition of Slavery is observed annually on which date?
A) January 1
B) December 2
C) November 20
D) December 10
Answer: B) December 2
Explanation: The International Day for the Abolition of Slavery is observed every year on December 2 to raise awareness about modern forms of slavery.
Q2. The observance of this day commemorates which key UN Convention?
A) 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights
B) 1949 UN Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons
C) 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees
D) 1989 Convention on the Rights of the Child
Answer: B) 1949 UN Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons
Explanation: The day commemorates the 1949 UN Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others.
Q3. According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), approximately how many people were living in modern slavery in 2021?
A) 10 million
B) 27.6 million
C) 50 million
D) 100 million
Answer: C) 50 million
Explanation: The ILO estimates that around 50 million people were living in modern slavery globally in 2021, showing a significant rise since 2016.
Q4. In terms of the total number of forced labour victims, which region has the highest figure?
A) Africa
B) Europe and Central Asia
C) The Americas
D) Asia and the Pacific
Answer: D) Asia and the Pacific
Explanation: Asia and the Pacific has the highest total number of forced labour victims, estimated at 15.1 million.
Q5. What is the estimated annual profit generated by forced labour globally, making it an economic menace?
A) US$50 billion
B) US$100 billion
C) US$150 billion
D) Approximately US$236 billion
Answer: D) Approximately US$236 billion
Explanation: Forced labour generates an estimated US$236 billion every year, highlighting its profitability for criminal networks and the economic loss to workers and governments.
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