India tops the list of Global Slavery Index, 2023 with 11 million people working as forced laborers

• India tops the list of Global Slavery Index, 2023 with 11 million people working as forced laborers.

Global Slavery Index, 2023

• Publisher : Walk Free Foundation
• Purpose : Assess modern slavery conditions worldwide
• Data Sources : International Labour Organization (ILO), International Organization for Migration (IOM).
• Indicators : Forced labor, forced marriage, human trafficking, exploitation
• Rankings : Countries ranked based on estimated number of people in modern slavery
• Index Score : Reflects vulnerability and response to modern slavery
• Recommendations : Calls for action to combat modern slavery and protect rights
• Target Audience : Policymakers, activists, researchers, organizations
• Impact : Raises awareness, informs strategies, promotes human rights

Key highlights

• The number of people living in conditions of modern slavery has increased by 25% over the last 5 years, reaching 50 million people.
• G20 nations, including India, China, Russia, Indonesia, Turkey, and the US, are contributing to this increase through their trade operations and global supply chains.

Definition and scope of modern slavery

• Modern slavery encompasses various practices such as-
  • Forced labor
  • Forced marriage
  • Debt bondage
  • Commercial sexual exploitation
  • Human trafficking
  • Slavery-like practices (ex. coercion to do certain work)
  • Sale and exploitation of children.
  • It involves situations where threats, violence and deception prevent individuals from refusing or leaving.

Factors contributing to the increase

• The rise of modern slavery is influenced by climate change, armed conflict, weak governance, and health emergencies like COVID-19.
• G20 nations account for over half of all people living in modern slavery.
• Imports of at-risk products worth $468 billion, including electronics, textiles, palm oil, and solar panels, worsen forced labor conditions by coming from countries with weak worker protection.

Manifestations of modern slavery in Global Supply Chains

• The report highlights the prevalence of forced labor across different points in the global supply chain, particularly in industries such as textiles.
• Exploitative conditions, unpaid work, low wages, debt bondage, and health and safety risks are common in industries like spinning mills.
• G20 countries collectively import billions of dollars’ worth of goods produced by forced labor every year.

India’s measures against on modern slavery

• India has passed laws like the Bonded Labour Abolition Act of 1976 to address modern slavery.
• However, implementation challenges, corruption, legal loopholes, and lack of political hinder effective enforcement of these laws.
• Moreover, there are lacunas in proper identification and enumeration of people trapped in modern slavery conditions.

Way forward

• Strengthen Measures and Legislation: Enact stronger laws to prevent the sourcing of goods and services associated with modern slavery.
• Embed Anti-Slavery Measures in Climate Change Plans: Integrate anti-slavery efforts into sustainability plans, acknowledging the link between climate change and vulnerability to modern slavery.
• Enhance Education and Tighten Regulations: Provide accessible education while tightening regulations on forced labor, child marriage, and exploitative practices.
• Prioritize Rehabilitation and Support: Prioritize comprehensive support systems for the rehabilitation of bonded laborers, including financial aid, education, job security, and fair compensation.
• Hold G20 Nations Accountable and Foster Cooperation: Ensure accountability among G20 nations and promote collaborative efforts to eliminate modern slavery.