International Day for the Abolition of Slavery
By Sivonna Stringham, Resident in Counseling
This month, specifically December 2nd, is the time to recognize not only presents and holiday traditions and delicious food, but is also a time to recognize and stop modern slavery. What is modern slavery? The different types of slavery that still occur in the present are: trafficking, labor of children, forced labor, incarcerations, and forced marriages. As of 2024, there are still an estimated 50 million people that fall under this category (un.org).
According to the United Nations (UN), situations of modern slavery include being exploited by threats, being afraid to leave the home, being deceived, threats/abuse of power, etc. The UN also states that almost every country experiences modern slavery, and it runs across ethnic, religious and cultural ties.
Forms of Slavery
Forced labor – such examples are: bonded labor, debt labor, work in domestic servitude, construction industry, food and garment industry, agriculture. A lot of migrant workers are exploited and trafficked to work in these areas for the benefit of a “powerful” figure.
Child labor – this is a form of economic exploitation. 1 in 10 children are exploited and forced to work. This can cause harm to the physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, moral and social development of the child.
Trafficking – this is determined by the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring, or receipts of people in means of exploitation.
Incarceration – people incarcerated are being exploited for work while in questionable conditions while the work is being “protected” under the 13th Amendment (NPR).
Forced marriage – minors exploited for marriage with older adults (the term “child-bride”). This can also lead to domestic violence towards the child (antislavery.org)
What can you do?
Some things you can do to help put an end to modern slavery is 1. Learn how you’re contributing to modern slavery, 2. Bringing more awareness to modern slavery, and 3. Support organizations that work to end modern slavery.
So, why does slavery still happen? Not only because of exploitation, but also because companies/”the power” have found that it is the best way to maximize profits. According to freedomcenter.org, “In today’s global economy, the demand for cheap goods and services has created a labor system of slaves. Consumers unknowingly support this practice by preferring less-expensive goods, made so through enslaved labor.” Needless to say, when people buy the cheap thing, they are unintentionally buying into modern slavery and exploiting the one that’s enslaved.
References
https://www.un.org/en/observances/slavery-abolition-day/messages
https://www.un.org/en/observances/slavery-abolition-day