Mateus was only 18 when he was imprisoned and forced to work in São Paulo, one of the largest cities in Latin America. He hell fell into debt bondage, one of the most common forms of modern slavery.
He and three friends had left the Brazilian countryside persuaded by the promise of better economic opportunities. A man from their town had assured good jobs and a better life in the big city.
But upon arrival, the reality was different. Instead of fair wages and safe working conditions, they found themselves locked in a room that felt like a prison.
When the young men protested about the lack of payment and inhumane treatment, their employer responded with threats. He justified their captivity by listing the “debts” they had unknowingly accumulated: the cost of transportation, food, and even the mattresses they slept on.
This story comes from the film 7 Prisoners, directed by Alexandre Moratto. Although it is a chilling work of fiction, it reflects the reality of more than 50 million people worldwide living in modern slavery, according to the International Labour Organization (ILO).”
Table of Contents
What is Modern Slavery?
According to Anti-Slavery International, modern slavery occurs when others exploit a person for personal or financial gain. Whether through coercion, deception, or force, victims lose their freedom and are unable to escape their situation.
Contemporary slavery affects people of all ages, genders, and races since there are many forms. Anyone who is vulnerable and seeking to improve their life can fall victim to it.
Exploitation can occur through child labor, forced labor, bonded labor, human trafficking, forced marriage, or descent-based slavery.
While human trafficking is one of the most well-known aspects of modern slavery, forced labour is the fastest-growing form. Journalist Monique Villa commented in her book Slaves Among Us that despite the data changes from country to country, 30 percent of slaves are trafficked for sex and 70 percent are in forced labour.
Forms of Modern Slavery
1. Forced Labour
Most of the modern slavery forms include forced labour. This slavery type refers to any work of service executed involuntarily. Here the person has not offered himself or herself to do any kind of activities. International Labour Organization Forced Labour Convention, 1930 (No. 29). The figures are alarming. Forced labour takes place in 27.6 million people worldwide.
2. Debt Bondage
One of the most widespread forms of modern slavery, debt bondage occurs when a person is tricked into working to repay a debt that only grows over time. Traffickers often target people in extreme poverty, convincing them with promises of employment and a better future in their country or another land.
3. Human Trafficking
Human trafficking is the exploitation in sex, entertainment, and hospitality industries. Victims are often forced into prostitution, domestic servitude, forced work, or even child marriage. A chilling example is Marcela Loaiza, a Colombian woman trafficked to Japan and forced into sex slavery by the Yakuza mafia. She wrote a book with her complete experience in the Asian country.
Her story is an eye-opener on the hidden realities of this crime.
4. Child Slavery
By 2021, 3.3 million children were estimated to be living in slavery. The COVID-19 pandemic increased the problem. An estimated 10.4 million children have lost one of their parents, and 7 million of them have become orphans.
Those vulnerable kids became an easy target for criminal organizations. Child slavery includes child soldiers, forced marriages, and domestic servitude.
5. Descent-Based Slavery
From the 16th to the 19th century, descent-based slavery was a prevalent form of enslavement. Unfortunately, this practice persists in some societies today, particularly where traditional hierarchies dominate.
In countries like Mauritania, Niger, Mali, Chad, and Sudan, this form of slavery is inherited, a status passed down through the maternal line.
6. Forced and Early Marriage
In many patriarchal societies, young girls are forced into marriage against their will. Here, a woman’s rights are disregarded, and treated as property rather than an individual.
7. Domestic Servitude
Domestic servitude occurs when a person is trapped in a private home, and forced to work under inhuman conditions with little to no pay. Many domestic workers face physical abuse, extreme working hours, and confinement without the ability to leave the house.
How Can You Help Stop Modern Slavery?
Modern slavery is deeply connected with globalization and the unstoppable desire for economic growth. As long as there is demand for cheap workers, modern slavery will persist.
Many victims are trapped in factories, mines, fishing boats, and construction sites, working long hours without pay, often under false promises. The Global Estimates of Modern Slavery (2022) indicate that 17.3 million people are exploited within the private economy.
Modern slavery is closer than you think. It exists in supply chains, communities, and even in our everyday consumer choices. In the Colombian podcast “Vos Podes“ there was a case of modern slavery. A Colombian guest shared her experience of being trafficked to Mexico.
Her mother was paranoic with human traffick and advised her to be careful in any situation. She never thought it could happen to her. However, later on, her ‘friend’ sold her to a human trafficking network in Central America.
Not only big organizations can generate impact. You can also contribute to it. Here’s how you can help:
- The solution starts with the choices we make every day, especially when it comes to purchasing things. By supporting big companies with a track record of neglecting human rights and exploiting people, we’re indirectly supporting modern slavery.
- Another way to make a difference is by spreading awareness about the tactics traffickers use. It’s often someone from within the community who’s involved, and when a ‘dream’ is presented in secrecy—especially with the instruction not to tell anyone—that’s a huge red flag.
- Don’t stay silent. Stay aware of what’s happening around you. Behind every form of slavery, there’s an organized network, and it could be happening right in your community. If you witness something, report it. Your call could save a life.
- You can also give back by volunteering or donating to NGOs. There are countless organizations where you can offer your time and skills to help those in need. If you’re short on time, consider donating or volunteering with NGOs fighting modern slavery, such as: Not for Sale or Anti-Slavery International.
Modern slavery affects millions worldwide, yet many people are unaware of its growth. By making informed choices, sharing knowledge, and supporting ethical initiatives, we can collectively work towards a world without slavery.
What are your thoughts on modern slavery? How do you think we can combat it? Let me know in the comments!
Thanks for sharing this blog. Slavery is so much buffer than we often think.. Another form of slavery you didn’t mentioned is forst labor in warrige. Also this is the sorrowful reality of a number of young man and boys in areas where there is war.
It’s so important to be aware of this and know that we can do something about it ( see the tips of Juliana) . Let’s stand up together for people who, due to their situation, have no voice.
Thank you Hannah for your contribution! Together we contribute to reduce these problematics.