International Day for the Abolition of Slavery 2024

The International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, observed annually on December 2, serves as a global call to action to combat modern forms of slavery. This day emphasizes the eradication of human trafficking, forced labour, and other contemporary forms of exploitation while promoting the fundamental rights and dignity of individuals.

History and Significance

The United Nations General Assembly established this day to mark the adoption of the Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and of the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others on December 2, 1949. This landmark resolution aimed to address human trafficking and exploitation globally.

According to the United Nations, the primary focus of this observance is to eliminate modern slavery, which includes:

• Trafficking in persons,
• Sexual exploitation,
• The worst forms of child labor,
• Forced marriage, and
• The forced recruitment of children in armed conflict.

What Is Slavery?

Slavery has evolved over centuries, manifesting itself in various forms across different regions. While traditional forms of slavery persist in some parts of the world, newer manifestations have emerged, driven by socio-economic inequalities, conflicts, and systemic discrimination.

Traditional forms of slavery include:

• Bonded labor: Individuals work to repay debts, often trapped in cycles of servitude.
• Descent-based slavery: Victims are born into slavery, with societal norms dictating their exploitation.

Contemporary forms of slavery include:

• Human trafficking: The recruitment and exploitation of individuals through coercion.
• Forced labor: Work performed under threat or without consent, often for no pay.
• Child labor: Exploitation of children in hazardous or degrading conditions.
• Sexual slavery: Enforced sexual exploitation, often linked to trafficking.

Forms of Modern Slavery

Amnesty International identifies six major categories of slavery:

1. Forced labor: People coerced to work against their will.
2. Sexual slavery: Involves trafficking and exploitation for commercial sexual activities.
3. Child labor: Encompasses work that deprives children of their childhood, education, or dignity.
4. Bonded labor: Victims are forced to work to repay unpayable debts.
5. Forced marriage: Individuals, especially women and girls, compelled into marriage.
6. Descent-based slavery: A hereditary system where people are born into servitude.

Global Statistics on Slavery

UN Report Highlights

• One in ten children globally is involved in labor, mostly for economic exploitation.
• Trafficking victims are often subjected to forced labor, sexual exploitation, and servitude.

Definition of Human Trafficking (UN Protocol):
Recruitment, transportation, and harboring of individuals using coercion for exploitation, including:

• Prostitution and sexual exploitation,
• Forced labor,
• Practices akin to slavery,
• Servitude, or
• Organ removal.

ILO Report 2021

• 27.6 million individuals were in forced labor globally.
• From 2016 to 2021, forced labor cases increased by 2.7 million.
• Asia-Pacific: Region with the highest number of cases (15.1 million).
• Forced labor sectors: Industry, services, agriculture, and domestic work account for 89% of cases.
• Private sector: Responsible for 86% of forced labor cases (63% labor exploitation, 23% sexual exploitation).

Modern Slavery in India

India has the highest number of modern slavery victims globally, with over 11 million people affected, according to the 2023 Global Slavery Index. Despite economic growth, systemic issues perpetuate the exploitation of vulnerable populations.

Forms of Slavery in India

• Brick kiln industry: Predominantly involves bonded labor, including women and children.
• Human trafficking: India is a source, destination, and transit country for trafficking victims.
• Child exploitation: Many children are trapped in hazardous labor or forced into prostitution.

Efforts to Combat Slavery

Global Initiatives

• The United Nations leads efforts through conventions, protocols, and observances to raise awareness and combat slavery.
• International bodies like ILO and Amnesty International work to address forced labor and trafficking.

India’s Measures

• Legal framework: Laws like the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976, and Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016 target slavery and exploitation.
• Anti-trafficking units: Special units set up across states to tackle trafficking cases.
• Rehabilitation programs: Government schemes focus on rehabilitating rescued victims of slavery.

International Day for the Abolition of Slavery: News Summary

Aspect	Details
Why in News	The International Day for the Abolition of Slavery is observed on December 2 to combat modern forms of slavery and promote human rights.
History & Significance	Established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1949 to mark the adoption of the Convention on the Suppression of Human Trafficking and Exploitation of Prostitution. It focuses on eradicating modern slavery, including human trafficking, forced labor, and child exploitation.
Forms of Modern Slavery	– Human trafficking: Recruitment and exploitation of individuals through coercion. – Forced labor: Work under threat or unpaid. – Child labor: Deprivation of education and childhood. – Sexual slavery: Commercial sexual exploitation. – Forced marriage: Compulsion into marriage. – Descent-based slavery: Hereditary servitude.
UN Report on Slavery	– One in ten children globally is involved in labor. – 27.6 million people were in forced labor globally (2021). – The majority of cases involve Asia-Pacific (15.1 million). – Most forced labor occurs in the private sector (86%).
Slavery in India	– Highest global number of modern slavery victims, with 11 million people affected (2023 Global Slavery Index). – Predominantly seen in brick kilns, human trafficking, and child exploitation. – Deeply rooted in systemic inequalities and societal structures.
Global Initiatives	– UN efforts: Conventions and protocols to combat human trafficking and forced labor. – ILO Reports: Address global trends in forced labor and exploitation.
India’s Measures	– Legal Acts: Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act, 1976; Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 2016. – Special Units: Anti-trafficking units across states. – Rehabilitation Programs: Government schemes for rescued victims.