Global Slavery Index 2023 reveals latest stats on #ModernSlavery

by Staff Writer 24-05-2023 | 9:38 PM

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The Global Slavery Index, a comprehensive resource by the Walk Free organization, which provides valuable insights into the prevalence of modern slavery around the world was published on Wednesday (24). It serves as a tool for understanding the scale and scope of this issue, highlighting the countries and regions most affected by slavery.

The report reveals that an estimated 50 million individuals were living in conditions of modern slavery in 2021, which is an increase of 10 million since 2016. This figure includes approximately 28 million people in forced labor and 22 million individuals in forced marriages.

According to the 2023 Global Slavery Index, North Korea, Eritrea, and Mauritania are reported to have the highest prevalence of modern slavery in the world. The index highlights a worsening situation globally compared to the previous survey conducted five years ago.

According to the Global Slavery Index, India has reported to have 11 million people in slavery, Pakistan reports 2.3 million people and China is reported to have 5.8 million people in slavery.

The report attributes the deteriorating situation to various factors such as escalating and complex armed conflicts, widespread environmental degradation, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

News 1st has also been recognized for its efforts in Anti Slavery by the Bali Process on People Smuggling, Trafficking in Persons and Related Transnational Crime, Which is a regional forum that supports collaboration, dialogue and policy development relating to irregular migration in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond

The Global Slavery Index defines modern slavery as encompassing forced labour , forced or servile marriages, debt bondage, forced commercial sexual exploitation, human trafficking, slavery-like practices, and the sale and exploitation of children.

Modern slavery is a concern in Sri Lanka, with forced labor being a significant issue in sectors like agriculture, domestic work, construction, and manufacturing.

According to the report, 6.5 people out of 1000 people are already in modern slavery and 56 people out of 1000 are vulnerable to modern slavery. Factors such as economic disparities and vulnerabilities of marginalized groups contribute to its prevalence.