Global Slavery Index Report – UPSC Social Justice Notes

The Global Slavery Index Report serves as a sobering testament to the persistence of modern-day slavery in our world. Published annually, this comprehensive document meticulously examines the prevalence, forms, and responses to contemporary slavery on a global scale. With meticulous research and data analysis, the report sheds light on the grim reality faced by millions who are subjected to exploitation, coercion, and forced labor. From the hidden corners of supply chains to the bustling streets of major cities, the report unmasks the insidious nature of modern slavery, urging policymakers, activists, and individuals alike to confront this egregious violation of human rights with urgency and determination.

A recently released report, titled ‘The Global Slavery Index 2023’ by the Walk Free Foundation, highlights the alarming surge in modern slavery across the globe, revealing a 25% increase over the past five years, bringing the total to 50 million individuals living in exploitative conditions. 

The report underscores the substantial role played by G20 nations in contributing to this crisis through their trade activities and global supply chains. Notably, countries such as India, China, Russia, Indonesia, Turkey, and the U.S. are identified among the top G20 nations with the highest prevalence of forced labour. 

Understanding Modern Slavery: 

Modern slavery encompasses diverse forms of exploitation, including forced labour, forced marriage, debt bondage, commercial sexual exploitation, human trafficking, slavery-like practices, and the sale and exploitation of children. The profound consequences of modern slavery extend beyond individuals to impact communities and societies, violating human rights, eroding human dignity, and undermining social cohesion. 

Moreover, modern slavery hampers economic development, perpetuates inequality, and fuels corruption. Its far-reaching implications pose a threat to global security and stability by contributing to conflict, terrorism, and organized crime. Addressing this pressing issue is imperative for safeguarding human rights, fostering economic development, and ensuring a more secure and equitable world. 

Key Findings: 

1. The Global Slavery Index 2023 reveals that approximately 50 million individuals were living in modern slavery in 2021, witnessing a significant surge of 10 million people since 2016. 
2. This implies that one in 160 people globally falls victim to modern slavery. 
3. The index ranks 160 countries based on the estimated prevalence of modern slavery per 1,000 people, with North Korea (104.6), Eritrea (90.3), and Mauritania (32.0) having the highest prevalence. 
4. Countries with the lowest prevalence include Switzerland (0.5), Norway (0.5), and Germany (0.6), showcasing effective governance and robust responses to modern slavery. 
5. Asia and the Pacific region have the highest number of people living in modern slavery, with 29.3 million affected. 
6. India’s prevalence is reported at 8, indicating the estimated proportion of the population in modern slavery per thousand people. 

Contributing Factors: 

1. Climate change, armed conflict, weak governance, and health emergencies, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, are identified as major contributors to the rise in modern slavery. 
2. G20 nations, responsible for over half of those in modern slavery, import products worth USD 468 billion from countries with inadequate worker protection, exacerbating forced labor conditions. 

Global Supply Chains’ Role: 

1. Complex global supply chains, encompassing raw material sourcing, manufacturing, and transportation, are deeply linked to forced labor. 
2. High-risk products like electronics, textiles, palm oil, and solar panels, imported by G20 nations, are associated with forced labor, human trafficking, and child labor. 
3. G20 countries collectively import billions of dollars worth of textiles and apparel goods at risk of being produced through forced labor annually. 

Assessment Methodology: 

1. The vulnerability of a nation to modern slavery is determined by factors such as political instability, inequality, lack of basic needs, criminal justice mechanisms, internal conflicts, and displacement. 
2. The index utilizes data from the International Labour Organisation (ILO), Walk Free, and the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in 2022 to unveil the hidden prevalence of modern slavery. 

International Efforts and Challenges: 

1. Despite the goal to end modern slavery by 2030, the report notes a significant increase in victims and insufficient progress in government actions. 
2. The surge is attributed to crises like armed conflicts, environmental degradation, assaults on democracy, global rollback of women’s rights, and the socioeconomic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

India’s Legislative Framework:  

India has undertaken legislative initiatives to address modern slavery, notably through the Bonded Labour Abolition Act of 1976, amended in 1985 to encompass contract and migrant workers. The Central scheme for Rehabilitation of Bonded Labour complements these efforts. The Supreme Court’s ruling equating non-payment of minimum wages to “forced labour” under Article 23 of the Constitution strengthens the legal stance against modern slavery. 

Need of the Hour: 

1. Government Action: Enactment and enforcement of laws criminalizing all forms of modern slavery and safeguarding victim rights are imperative. 
2. Corporate Responsibility: Businesses should ensure that their operations and supply chains remain free from forced labor and human trafficking. 
3. Civil Society Engagement: Civil society plays a crucial role in raising awareness, advocating for change, and providing support to survivors. 
4. Individual Awareness: Individuals should educate themselves on the issue, demand transparency from companies they engage with, and report any suspected cases of modern slavery they encounter. 
5. Survey on Bonded Labour: There is an urgent need to conduct a comprehensive survey to identify and enumerate individuals trapped in modern slavery conditions. India’s last national survey on bonded labor dates back to the mid-90s, emphasizing the necessity for an updated assessment to inform targeted interventions. 

FAQs

Q: What is the Global Slavery Index Report?

The Global Slavery Index Report is an annual report published by the Walk Free Foundation, providing an in-depth analysis of the prevalence, risk factors, and response to modern slavery worldwide. It serves as a comprehensive resource to understand the scale and nature of modern slavery and to inform policies and actions aimed at combating it.

Q: How is modern slavery defined in the Global Slavery Index Report?

Modern slavery encompasses various forms of exploitation, including forced labor, forced marriage, human trafficking, and other practices where individuals are coerced into situations against their will. The Global Slavery Index Report defines modern slavery based on international definitions and standards set by organizations like the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the United Nations.

Q: What are the key findings of the Global Slavery Index Report?

The report provides insights into the prevalence of modern slavery in different countries and regions, identifies vulnerable populations, examines the root causes and risk factors, and evaluates governmental responses and efforts to address modern slavery. Key findings may include estimates of the number of people in modern slavery, trends over time, and regional disparities.

Q: How are countries ranked in the Global Slavery Index Report?

Countries are ranked based on various factors such as the estimated prevalence of modern slavery, the effectiveness of government responses, and the existence of laws and policies aimed at combating slavery. Rankings provide a comparative analysis of countries’ efforts and serve as a tool to prioritize action and allocate resources to address modern slavery effectively.

Q: What are the implications of the Global Slavery Index Report?

The report raises awareness about the persistence and severity of modern slavery globally, highlights areas where action is urgently needed, and provides recommendations for governments, policymakers, businesses, civil society organizations, and individuals to combat slavery effectively. By understanding the scope and nature of modern slavery, stakeholders can work together to implement targeted interventions and advocate for systemic change.

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