The recently published Global Slavery Index 2023 has shed light on a distressing truth about the world we live in. According to the index, as many as 50 million people were living in conditions of “modern slavery” on any given day in 2021. This essay delves into the key details provided by the index, exploring the concept of modern slavery, the purpose of the Global Slavery Index, and country-wise findings.
Understanding Modern Slavery
“Modern slavery” is an umbrella term used to describe situations where individuals are exploited and unable to refuse or escape due to various factors such as threats, violence, coercion, deception, or abuses of power. This encompasses a wide range of abuses, including forced labor, forced marriage, debt bondage, sexual exploitation, human trafficking, slavery-like practices, forced or servile marriage, and the sale and exploitation of children. The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) also emphasize the need to eradicate modern slavery under Target 8.7.
The Global Slavery Index: An Overview
The Global Slavery Index provides a comprehensive overview of modern slavery worldwide. It is prepared by Walk Free, a prominent human rights organization, and is based on data provided by the Global Estimates of Modern Slavery, which is a collaborative effort involving the International Labour Organization (ILO), Walk Free, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). This fifth edition of the index utilizes data from 2022 estimates and employs representative surveys to generate country-wise estimates.
Country-Wise Findings
The index presents three sets of key findings, focusing on the prevalence of modern slavery. Prevalence refers to the incidence of modern slavery per 1000 population. The following ten countries emerged as the worst offenders in terms of prevalence:
- North Korea
- Eritrea
- Mauritania
- Saudi Arabia
- Turkey
- Tajikistan
- United Arab Emirates
- Russia
- Afghanistan
- Kuwait
On the other hand, countries with the lowest prevalence of modern slavery include:
- Switzerland
- Norway
- Germany
- Netherlands
- Sweden
- Denmark
- Belgium
- Ireland
- Japan
- Finland
Furthermore, the index highlights countries hosting the highest number of individuals living in modern slavery, with India, China, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, Indonesia, Nigeria, Turkey, Bangladesh, and the United States featuring prominently.
Criticism of the Index
While the Global Slavery Index provides valuable insights into the prevalence of modern slavery, it has faced criticism on certain fronts. One major critique revolves around the absence of a universal and agreed-upon definition of modern slavery, unlike trafficking in persons which does have an internationally recognized definition. Additionally, the methodology used to estimate the number of individuals experiencing modern slavery is based partially on a country’s “risk score.” However, the factors determining a country’s “risk” often overlap with those used to determine its development status, leading to conclusions that align with existing perceptions of developed and developing regions.
Moreover, contradictions have been observed within the index itself. Some statistics presented in the index appear to contradict the qualitative analysis found within the report. For instance, while the index highlights the United Kingdom as having the strongest government response to modern slavery, the report indicates a decline in the country’s overall response since 2018.
Important Points:
- Key details from the Global Slavery Index 2023: 📌
- 50 million people living in “modern slavery” in 2021. (🌍)
- 28 million suffer from forced labor and 22 million from forced marriages. (🤝💍)
- 12 million of the victims are children. (🧒)
- Understanding modern slavery: 🕸️
- “Modern slavery” encompasses various forms of exploitation. (🔗)
- Forced labor, forced marriage, debt bondage, sexual exploitation, human trafficking, and more. (💔🔒🛌💵🚫)
- United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals aim to end modern slavery. (🌍✋)
- The purpose and preparation of the Global Slavery Index: 📊
- Walk Free, a human rights organization, prepares the index. (👥)
- Based on data provided by the Global Estimates of Modern Slavery. (📈)
- Uses representative surveys to estimate country-wise data. (🗺️)
- Country-wise findings: 🌍🔎
- Prevalence of modern slavery:
- Worst offenders: North Korea, Eritrea, Mauritania, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Tajikistan, United Arab Emirates, Russia, Afghanistan, Kuwait. (🔝)
- Lowest prevalence: Switzerland, Norway, Germany, Netherlands, Sweden, Denmark, Belgium, Ireland, Japan, Finland. (🔽)
- Countries hosting the most people in modern slavery: India, China, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, Indonesia, Nigeria, Turkey, Bangladesh, United States. (🌎)
- Prevalence of modern slavery:
- Criticisms of the Global Slavery Index: 🤔
- No universal definition of modern slavery. (❌)
- Determining factors overlap with a country’s development status. (📊💼)
- Contradictions within the index’s statistics. (❓❌)
Why In News
The Global Slavery Index 2023, a comprehensive report highlighting the state of modern-day slavery worldwide, was recently published, shedding light on the persistent challenges faced by vulnerable populations. This latest edition of the index serves as a crucial tool for policymakers, advocates, and organizations working tirelessly to eradicate the scourge of slavery and protect the rights and dignity of all individuals.
MCQs about Global Slavery Index 2023
-
Which of the following is NOT included in the umbrella term “modern slavery”?
A. Forced labor
B. Child labor
C. Human trafficking
D. Forced marriage
-
Which organization prepares the Global Slavery Index?
A. United Nations
B. World Health Organization
C. Walk Free
D. International Monetary Fund
-
Which region is identified as the most vulnerable to modern slavery according to the Global Slavery Index?
A. Europe
B. Africa
C. Asia
D. North America
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