Slavery is not a relic of the past. Despite being outlawed in every country, it still exists today, in factories, farms, homes, construction sites, brothels and even in supply chains that feed global markets. Human trafficking and modern slavery are among the most egregious human rights violations in the world today, affecting millions of people and robbing them of their freedom, dignity and basic humanity.

Modern slavery refers to situations where people are exploited and cannot leave due to threats, violence, coercion, deception or abuse of power. It includes forced labor, debt bondage, forced marriage, sexual exploitation and the trafficking of children. Human trafficking is the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring or receipt of people through illegal means for the purpose of exploitation. While not all forms of modern slavery involve international movement, trafficking often does, and it can occur within countries as well as across borders.

The scale of this crisis is staggering. According to recent estimates, over 50 million people are living in modern slavery worldwide. Women and girls are disproportionately affected, making up the majority of those trafficked for sexual exploitation and domestic servitude. Children are also targeted, trafficked for forced begging, labor, child marriage or recruitment as soldiers. Migrant workers, refugees and people in poverty are especially vulnerable, often lured by false promises of jobs, education or safety.

The root causes of trafficking and slavery are complex and interconnected. Poverty, lack of education, gender inequality, conflict, weak law enforcement and corruption all create conditions where exploitation can thrive. In many cases, traffickers prey on desperation. They use manipulation, violence or false debt arrangements to control their victims. Once trapped, people often find it impossible to escape, either because of physical restraints or psychological coercion. Threats to family members, confiscation of documents and fear of retaliation keep victims silent and hidden.

The global economy also plays a role. Demand for cheap labor and low-cost products can incentivize exploitative labor practices. In sectors such as agriculture, textiles, mining, fishing and domestic work, supply chains may be tainted with forced labor. Consumers may unknowingly buy goods or services produced under conditions of modern slavery, further fueling the cycle of exploitation. In some cases, corporations fail to conduct due diligence or turn a blind eye to abuses in their operations or sourcing.

Efforts to combat trafficking and modern slavery have gained international momentum in recent decades. The Palermo Protocol, adopted in 2000, was a major step forward in establishing a shared legal framework for addressing trafficking. Many countries now have laws criminalizing human trafficking and international bodies have developed tools and guidelines to support prevention, protection and prosecution.

Yet, enforcement remains inconsistent and often inadequate. Victims are frequently treated as criminals or undocumented migrants rather than as people in need of protection. Police and border officials may lack training or be complicit in trafficking networks. Survivors who do escape may face stigma, detention or deportation, with little access to justice or support services. Without systemic changes, the cycle of exploitation continues.

A rights-based approach to ending modern slavery centers the needs and voices of survivors. It begins with prevention, addressing the structural inequalities and vulnerabilities that traffickers exploit. This includes investing in education, social protection, gender equality and safe migration pathways. It also requires holding governments and businesses accountable for preventing exploitation in both law and practice.

Victim identification and support services are equally critical. Survivors need safe shelter, medical care, legal assistance, trauma-informed counseling and opportunities for education and employment. They must be empowered to reclaim their rights and rebuild their lives with dignity and security. Importantly, survivor voices must guide policies and programs, because those who have lived through exploitation understand better than anyone what is needed to stop it.

Public awareness also plays a key role. Many trafficking operations rely on secrecy, deception and public ignorance. Campaigns that educate people about the signs of trafficking and how to respond can save lives. Consumers can also make more ethical choices, supporting brands that are transparent about their supply chains and committed to fair labor practices.

Technology, too, has become a double-edged sword. While traffickers use social media and encrypted platforms to recruit and control victims, those same tools can be used to identify traffickers, rescue victims and expose abuse. If used responsibly and with attention to privacy and safety, data collection, digital tracing and collaboration between tech companies and human rights groups can strengthen anti-trafficking efforts.

The fight against human trafficking and modern slavery is a fight for freedom in its most essential form. It is a reminder that despite legal progress, millions of people are still denied the right to control their own bodies, labor and lives. It challenges us to confront not just individual traffickers, but the systems and structures that enable exploitation.

To eradicate modern slavery, we must move beyond outrage to sustained action, by governments, businesses, civil society and individuals. Freedom must not be a privilege for the few, but a guaranteed right for all. Anything less is an unacceptable failure of our shared humanity.