Women and girls at high risk of being pushed into modern slavery

4/12/21

 In an alert to coincide with the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery on 2 December, they warned that global challenges such as COVID-19, climate change and armed conflict have amplified existing vulnerabilities.  

According to figures released by UNICEF and ILO in June, almost 80 million children aged 5 to 17, are subjected to hazardous work which is classified as a contemporary form of slavery. 

Now, according to the experts, these children may be working longer hours or under worsening conditions as a result of the economic recession and school closures caused by the pandemic.   

Many others may have been forced into the worst forms of child labour, owing to job and income losses among their families.  This includes the forced recruitment of youngsters into armed and criminal groups. 

Children in Burkina Faso engage in the worst forms of child labor, including in artisanal gold mining and quarrying.
Children in Burkina Faso engage in the worst forms of child labor, including in artisanal gold mining and quarrying., by © UNICEF/Christine Nesbitt

According to unofficial estimates cited by the experts, one in every 130 women and girls is subjected to contemporary forms of slavery such as child and forced marriage, domestic servitude, forced labour and debt bondage. 

High levels of exploitation also prevail in global supply chains, which often rely on and reinforce labour exploitation and deepen gender inequality”, the experts said.  

They argue that “gender inequalities lie at the heart of contemporary forms of slavery”, but note that these practices are also fuelled by intersecting forms of discrimination, such as race, social and economic status, age, disability, sexual orientation, and migration status, among others.  

The experts urge Member States to establish safe migration pathways, along with easier access to decent work and more cooperation with the business sector, civil society organisations and trade unions.   

For them, “accountability of perpetrators must be strengthened as a matter of priority, as currently impunity prevails in far too many instances.” 

“Slavery in all its forms needs to end for everyone, including women and children in contexts of armed conflict. Slavery is a disgrace to humanity which in the 21st century cannot be tolerated”, they conclude.  

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the UN Voluntary Trust Fund on Contemporary Forms of Slavery. This year alone, 18,000 victims received vital assistance from organizations supported by the Fund. 

To mark the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, the experts appeal to all Member States to increase their contribution to the Fund, or to make one for the first time. 

The Special Rapporteurs are part of what is known as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. They work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. They are independent from any government or organization and serve in their individual capacity.  

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All comments [ 20 ]


Robinson Jones 4/12/21 19:34

The facts are that women and girls account for 99% of victims trafficked in the commercial sex industry, 84% of victims of forced marriage and 58% in other sectors.

John Smith 4/12/21 19:35

Modern slavery, often known as ‘human trafficking’, is the buying, selling and forced transportation and transfer of human beings.

Duncan 4/12/21 19:35

It is illegally taking ownership of another person through violence, coercion, fraud or abduction.

Gentle Moon 4/12/21 19:37

Modern slavery can take many forms, through forced domestic servitude, sexual exploitation, forced labour, child labour, forced marriage and many others.

Kevin Evans 4/12/21 19:38

Modern slavery is a violation of Human Rights and it is taking place all over the world

LawrenceSamuels 4/12/21 19:39

modern day slavery is the second largest criminal activity in the world and is a $150 billion a year industry.

Egan 4/12/21 19:40

Although modern slavery affects everyone, it is a gendered issue. Women and girls are more vulnerable to this crime.

Red Star 4/12/21 19:46

There are many issues worldwide that make women more vulnerable to slavery. But most of all, modern slavery is a result of power imbalances.

Jacky Thomas 4/12/21 19:46

gender inequality remains a major power imbalance around the globe. This stems from cultural practises, laws and historical gender roles.

yobro yobro 4/12/21 19:47

A systemic and integrated approach to tackling the exploitation of women and girls in modern slavery requires cross-sector, cross-regional and international partnerships.

Socialist Society 4/12/21 19:49

I believe we could easily be the first country in the world to have no slavery, but we should also be doing all we can as a nation to help our poorer neighbouring nations.

Enda Thompson 4/12/21 19:50

We have the wealth and resources to do a lot more. We have played a major part in exploiting these nations in the past and present, so we should be helping now in their time of need.

Vietnam Love 4/12/21 19:52

Victims of modern slavery and human trafficking are men, women and children of all ages, ethnicities and nationalities. However, exploitation is normally more prevalent among the most vulnerable or within minority or socially excluded groups.

Herewecome 4/12/21 19:52

Poverty, lack of education, unstable social and political conditions, economic imbalances and war are key issues that contribute to someone’s vulnerability in becoming a victim of modern slavery.

For A Peace World 4/12/21 19:53

victims can often face more than one type of abuse and slavery, for example being sold on to another trafficker and then forced into another form of exploitation.

Swift Hoodie 4/12/21 19:54

Globally it is estimated that one in four victims of modern slavery are children.

Wilson Pit 4/12/21 19:54

Women and girls account for 99% of victims in the commercial sex industry and 58% in other sectors.

Me Too! 4/12/21 19:56

4.8 million people are victims of forced sexual exploitation, and 4 million are in forced labour imposed by state authorities.

Voice of people 4/12/21 22:08

Slavery is a problem that has been going on for centuries.

Allforcountry 4/12/21 22:09

Many of these people are forced into forced labor and sex work in the West.

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