Global Slavery Index, 2023

  Apr 17, 2023

Q Why is it in News ?

A 

• India tops the list of Global Slavery Index, 2023 with 11 million people working as forced laborers.

 

Q What are some details about Global Slavery Index, 2023 ?

A 

Publisher	Walk Free Foundation
Purpose	Assess modern slavery conditions worldwide
Data Sources	International Labour Organization (ILO), International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Indicators	Forced labor, forced marriage, human trafficking, exploitation
Rankings	Countries ranked based on estimated number of people in modern slavery
Index Score	Reflects vulnerability and response to modern slavery
Recommendations	Calls for action to combat modern slavery and protect rights
Target Audience	Policymakers, activists, researchers, organizations
Impact	Raises awareness, informs strategies, promotes human rights

 

Q What are the Key highlights  of Report ? 

A 

• The number of people living in conditions of modern slavery has increased by 25% over the last 5 years, reaching 50 million people.
• G20 nations, including India, China, Russia, Indonesia, Turkey, and the US, are contributing to this increase through their trade operations and global supply chains.

 

Q What is the Definition and scope of modern slavery ?

A 

• Modern slavery encompasses various practices such as-

1. Forced labor
2. Forced marriage
3. Debt bondage
4. Commercial sexual exploitation
5. Human trafficking
6. Slavery-like practices (ex. coercion to do certain work)
7. Sale and exploitation of children.

• It involves situations where threats, violence and deception prevent individuals from refusing or leaving.

 

Q Which factors  are contributing to the increase ?

A 

• The rise of modern slavery is influenced by climate change, armed conflict, weak governance, and health emergencies like COVID-19.
• G20 nations account for over half of all people living in modern slavery.
• Imports of at-risk products worth $468 billion, including electronics, textiles, palm oil, and solar panels, worsen forced labor conditions by coming from countries with weak worker protection.

 

Q What are the manifestations of modern slavery in Global Supply Chains ?

A 

• The report highlights the prevalence of forced labor across different points in the global supply chain, particularly in industries such as textiles.
• Exploitative conditions, unpaid work, low wages, debt bondage, and health and safety risks are common in industries like spinning mills.
• G20 countries collectively import billions of dollars’ worth of goods produced by forced labor every year.

 

Q What are India’s measures against on modern slavery ?

A 

• 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 proper identification and enumeration of people trapped in modern slavery conditions.

 

Q What can be the Way forward ?

A 

• 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.