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Slavery Around the World

Modern slavery is an urgent global crisis, affecting nearly 50 million individuals worldwide. This staggering number includes 28 million people in forced labor and 22 million in forced marriages. Free The Slaves is committed to combatting this humanitarian emergency by focusing our efforts in strategic global hotspots where slavery is most rampant. We collaborate with local organizations to address the specific needs and conditions of each community, ensuring that our interventions are as effective and sustainable as possible.

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Africa

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of the worlds slaves

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decrease in slavery in this region since the 2018 report

An estimated 7 million people live in modern slavery across Africa, making it the region with the fourth-highest prevalence in the world. The rates stand at 5.2 people per thousand for modern slavery, 2.9 per thousand for forced labor, and 2.4 per thousand for forced marriage. Eritrea, Mauritania, and South Sudan have the highest prevalence rates of modern slavery, while the lowest rates are found in Mauritius, Lesotho, and Botswana. 

Modern slavery in Africa is compounded by a myriad of challenges, including political instability, poverty, and ongoing conflicts. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has further heightened vulnerabilities, leading to spikes in child marriages in countries like Sudan, Egypt, Senegal, and Uganda. Another distinct challenge in Africa is descent-based slavery, especially in parts of the Sahel. Victims are also at risk due to fraudulent employment opportunities, often ending up in forced labor situations in foreign countries like the Gulf states. Traditional practices, like the “confiage” system in Togo and the talibe children in Senegal, further perpetuate forced labor and exploitation. Women and girls in conflict zones are at increased risk of forced and child marriage, often as a negative coping mechanism against further violence. Despite efforts by countries like Nigeria and South Africa to combat modern slavery, the region still has a long way to go in terms of supporting survivors, strengthening protective laws, and implementing effective national strategies.

total estimated slaves in this region

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of FTS staff is based in this area

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Americas

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of the worlds slaves

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increase in slavery in this region since the 2018 report

An estimated 5.1 million people are living in conditions of modern slavery in the Americas, making it the region with the lowest prevalence among the five global regions. The rates stand at 5 people per thousand for modern slavery, 3.5 per thousand for forced labor, and 1.5 per thousand for forced marriage. Brazil, the United States, and Mexico are the countries with the highest numbers of people living in modern slavery, accounting for three out of every five people subjected to these conditions in the region. In contrast, Canada, Uruguay, and Chile have the lowest prevalence. 

Modern slavery in the Americas is deeply ingrained in a complex web of societal issues like inequality, discrimination against migrants and minority groups, and increasing poverty. The situation has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has increased vulnerabilities especially among migrant communities. Another concerning trend is the involvement of children in armed conflicts, particularly in Colombia and Venezuela, which has long-term traumatic effects. Furthermore, commercial sexual exploitation of children is an issue, particularly in the Caribbean where sex tourism is an issue. Forced marriage, although less prevalent than forced labor, is still a concern and is often linked to poverty, lower educational attainment, and patriarchal societal norms. In terms of government action, the United States, Canada, Argentina, and Uruguay are making strides in combating modern slavery, but much more needs to be done across the region in terms of strengthening legislation and addressing the gender inequalities that often underpin these exploitative practices.

total estimated slaves in this region

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of FTS staff is based in this area

Read More About Our Work in the Following Countries:

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Slavery Around the World Quick Links →

Arab States

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of the worlds slaves

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increase in slavery in this region since the 2018 report

An estimated 1.7 million people are living in modern slavery in the Arab States. However, because its population is less than other regions, it hides the fact that it also has the highest prevalence rate at 10.1 people per thousand. Forced labor accounts for 5.3 per thousand, and forced marriage stands at 4.8 per thousand. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait have the highest prevalence, while Saudi Arabia and Iraq alone account for half of the region’s total modern slavery cases. The exploitation primarily affects sectors like domestic work, construction, hospitality, and security. 

Modern slavery in the Arab States is aggravated by conflicts, political instability, and economic hardships. Over 20 million refugees and internally displaced persons are from this region, adding to its complexities. The kafala system operating in many countries in the region further institutionalizes forced labor. Families displaced by conflicts in Syria, Iraq, and Yemen often resort to forced and child marriage as a coping mechanism. The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened these vulnerabilities, and despite efforts by countries like Bahrain and the UAE, there is a pressing need for comprehensive strategies and reforms.

total estimated slaves in this region

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of FTS staff is based in this area

Read More About Our Work in the Following Countries:

Due to privacy concerns we can’t list specific countries but combine our work together into one page covering all our work in the region.

Asia and the Pacific

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of the worlds slaves

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increase in slavery in this region since the 2018 report

Asia and the Pacific region, home to 56% of the world’s population, holds an estimated 29.3 million people living in modern slavery, accounting for 59% of the global total. When adjusted for population size, the prevalence rate is 6.8 per thousand people. Forced labor is particularly significant, impacting 3.5 per thousand, and the region has the world’s second-highest rate of forced marriage at 3.3 per thousand. North Korea leads with the highest prevalence, followed by Afghanistan and Myanmar. India, China, and North Korea together account for two-thirds of the region’s total cases of modern slavery. Vulnerable sectors include debt-bonded labor in South Asia, state-imposed forced labor in North Korea and China, and hereditary forms of bonded labor.

Modern slavery in Asia and the Pacific is highly influenced by regional diversity, cultural attitudes, and varying degrees of economic stability. Discrimination based on gender, race, caste, and ethnicity further aggravates the situation. Conflict, such as the Rohingya crisis in Myanmar and political instability like the rise of the Taliban in Afghanistan, compound these challenges. Additionally, climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic have worsened economic insecurities, thereby heightening vulnerabilities to modern slavery. Countries like Australia, the Philippines, and Thailand have taken the most action to combat the issue, while North Korea and Iran have done the least. 

total estimated slaves in this region

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of FTS staff is based in this area

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Europe and Central Asia

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of the worlds slaves

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Increase in slavery in this region since the 2018 report

An estimated 6.4 million people are living in modern slavery in Europe and Central Asia, making the region the second-highest in prevalence globally. The rate stands at 6.9 per thousand people for modern slavery – 4.4 per thousand for forced labor and 2.5 per thousand for forced marriage. Countries like Russia, Türkiye, and Ukraine account for nearly 60% of those in modern slavery within the region. The countries with the lowest prevalence are Switzerland, Norway, and Germany.

The complexity of modern slavery in Europe and Central Asia is exacerbated by a variety of factors, including conflict, economic instability, and climate change. The COVID-19 pandemic has added fuel to the fire, intensifying economic insecurity and creating unequal access to healthcare and vaccines. Climate-related displacement continues to heighten the risk of exploitation, especially in forced labor sectors. Although not part of the estimates, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has also increased the risk of modern slavery, contributing to mass displacement and forced migration across the region. Discrimination against marginalized communities, such as the Roma, further complicates the issue. Despite notable efforts by countries like the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Portugal, significant gaps remain, including the need for safer migration pathways and the tackling of underlying discrimination against migrants and other vulnerable groups.

total estimated slaves in this region

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of FTS staff is based in this area

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We are in the process of registering an office in Europe and looking to start projects in this region based on need.  Stay tuned. We will add more information here as soon as we are able.

Slavery numbers and percentages were pulled from the resources listed below. Percentages for employees in the region are a constantly changing number and are accurate to the fall of 2023. It will be updated periodically. 

References

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A critical challenge in eradicating modern-day slavery lies in government policies and the success of their implementation and enforcement. We work with governments to create a policy environment where they are accountable for ending the conditions that make people vulnerable to exploitation and ensuring justice for survivors of modern slavery.