Developing Freedom: The Sustainable Development Case for Ending Modern Slavery, Forced Labour and Human Trafficking: SYNOPSIS

Government, reports

40.3 million people – around 1 in every 185 people alive – experienced modern slavery or forced labour in 2016. Ending modern slavery is central to several targets of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), notably Target 8.7. Yet, development sector voices are often notable for their absence from global anti-slavery and anti-trafficking discussions. This study considers a simple question: how can fighting slavery contribute to sustainable development? Over eighteen months, we used comprehensive literature reviews and mapping, quantitative analysis, surveys and mixed methods case studies.

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Developing Freedom: The Sustainable Development Case for Ending Modern Slavery, Forced Labour and Human Trafficking: KEY FINDINGS

Government, reports

There were an estimated 40.3 million people in modern slavery in 2016 – 1 in every 185 people. Modern slavery involves some people treating others as if they own them. This involves intentional denial or restriction of victims’ economic agency, even as survivors assert agency in other ways. When one person enslaves another, they prevent them exercising outside labour options, and may control consumption, savings and investment choices. This control can be used to extract a rent, by coercing the victim to work below market wage. Sustainable development and human development have focused on developing people’s capabilities but have assumed people control their own economic agency. That is not always so. Addressing slavery requires a different way of thinking, that seeks to protect and maximize agency.

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