MODERN DAY SLAVERY

Modern Day Slavery

Yes, slavery still exists today.  In fact, there are more slaves now, than ever in history!  According to the global slavery index 2018, there are 40.3 million people in modern day slavery. 

Here are some examples of modern day slavery: 

  • Sex Trafficking
  • Child Sex Trafficking
  • Forced Labor
  • Bonded Labor or Debt Bondage
  • Domestic Servitude
  • Forced Child Labor
  • Unlawful Recruitment and Use of Child Soldiers
  • Organ Trafficking 
  • Wife Trafficking

Fair Trade helps reduce the risks of those most at risk for slavery.  By shopping with global hues, you're helping to protect people in vulnerable communities around the world. 

To learn more, take our digital course "Exploring Fair Trade: Living with Purpose", launching in July 2023. 

 

Trafficking Warning Signs

CONTROLLED BY ANOTHER PERSON

They are accompanied by a controlling person, and do not speak on his or her own behalf, but instead defer to another person.

CONTROLLED MOVEMENT

They are transported to or from work, or live and work at the same place. They show signs that their movements are being controlled.

LACK OF EARNINGS

They are unable to keep his or her earnings: it is “withheld for safekeeping.” In many cases, the person owes a debt they are working to pay off.

FOREIGN, UNFAMILIAR WITH THE LANGUAGE

They have recently arrived in the country and do not speak the language of the country—or they only know sex-related or labor-related words.

OVERLY FEARFUL, DEPRESSED, AND SUBMISSIVE BEHAVIOR

They are frightened to talk to outsiders and authorities since they are closely monitored and controlled by their trafficker(s). They may be fearful, anxious, depressed, overly submissive, and may avoid eye contact. 

BAD HEALTH AND MALNUTRITION

They may have signs of abuse or signs of being denied food, water, sleep, and/or medical care.

LACK OF OFFICIAL IDENTIFICATION

They are not in possession of their passports, identification, or legal documents.

SIGNS OF PHYSICAL ABUSE

They may have bruises, scars, and other signs of physical abuse and torture. Victims of human trafficking are often beaten in areas that will not damage their appearance, such as their lower back.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE

They may show signs of drug use or drug addiction. They can be forced or coerced into drug use by his or her traffickers, or turn to substance abuse to help cope with his or her enslavement.

LACK OF TRUST

They may be distrustful and suspicious. A victim of human trafficking may act as if they distrust any person who offers them assistance or attempts to converse with them.

LACK OF PERSONAL BELONGINGS

They may have few or no personal possessions.

SIGNS OF DEPENDENCE

They may demonstrate affection, attachment, or dependence toward their abuser.

DECEIVED BY A FALSE JOB OFFER

Their actual job is different from the advertised job they had accepted.

FEELINGS OF BEING TRAPPED

They feel that they are unable to leave their current situation.