[BREAKING] Anti-Slavery Report: Over 50 Million People Globally Are Trapped In Modern Slavery
A landmark report released by the Global Commission on Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking, chaired by former British Prime Minister Baroness Theresa May, has revealed that over 50 million people worldwide remain trapped in modern slavery.
The report was formally unveiled at the United Nations Headquarters in New York on April 8th, as part of an ambitious international campaign to eradicate slavery and human trafficking by 2030.
The Commission, in its statement, described modern slavery as “the greatest human rights issue of our time”, warning that despite its devastating scale, it has “dropped down the international agenda” in recent years.
Baroness May said: “Modern slavery and human trafficking remains the greatest human rights issue of our time yet, in recent years, it has dropped down the international agenda. While the world faces many challenges, this is a moral stain on humanity that we can – and must – address with far greater urgency and global collective action.”
The report draws attention to survivors like Nasreen Sheikh, who shared her experience of being forced to work in a Kathmandu sweatshop from the age of 10.
“I know first-hand the impact of this devastating crime on people’s lives – stripping them of their humanity and destroying their livelihoods. The scale of suffering caused by contemporary forms of slavery is reminiscent of the genocides of the last century. The world cannot stand by and watch while millions endure such abuses. Faceless casualties are generated every day through the purchasing decisions of unconscious consumption, and the blind eyes of a global economic system,” Sheik said.
According to the report, Nigeria ranks fifth out of 51 African nations in terms of modern slavery prevalence, with an estimated 1.6 million people affected. Nonetheless, the country has emerged as a regional leader in tackling the issue, having implemented some of Africa’s strongest anti-slavery measures, including a newly adopted National Action Plan.
The Global Commission’s recommendations are wide-ranging, calling on governments, businesses, and civil society to address systemic failures that allow slavery to persist. Key proposals include the enforcement of strong domestic legislation with a unified definition of modern slavery, enhanced business accountability over global supply chains, and active engagement with civil society organisations, particularly in conflict and crisis settings.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres also lent his voice to the call for urgent action, stating: “As a global community, we are failing to meet the objectives of eliminating modern slavery and human trafficking by 2030 – with millions of people suffering as a direct result of that failure.”
He stressed the need for international solidarity, saying: “Only through a coordinated and collaborative approach will we eradicate this devastating and pervasive issue.”
The Commission urged the global community to treat modern slavery with the same seriousness as other transnational crises such as climate change, geopolitical instability, and armed conflict. It maintains that a world without modern slavery is realistic and achievable, but only if decisive global action is taken now.
