Modern slavery is a complex, thriving crime that impacts every country. There are an estimated 45.8 million people worldwide in some form of slavery, generating many billions of dollars in illegal profits. Organised crime is heavily involved and attracted by the high-profits but, in spite of legislation and increasing efforts to raise public awareness, the crime remains largely hidden. The global supply chain demand for cheap labour remains a significant systemic driver. Perpetrators of modern slavery are increasingly using modern technology to exploit people, for example by recruiting victims through online grooming and controlling them through mobile phones and webcam surveillance.
However, it is encouraging that even within this challenging context, digital information and communication technologies can provide opportunities for a step change in tackling modern slavery. Technology could be a powerful tool to: disrupt and reduce modern slavery; prevent and identify crimes; and provide a remedy mechanism for victims and support survivors. It could also play a significant role in addressing data gaps and increasing the efficiency of data sharing, leading to more effective use of resources and co-ordination between law enforcement, businesses, government and civil society.
The conference sought to explore these opportunities, bringing together experts from governments, law enforcement, international and civil society organisations, academia and technology providers. The aims were to:
Experts discussed their perspectives to help understand where technology solutions could be deployed to make an effective impact, using a ‘5P’ framework of Pursue, Prevent, Protect, Prepare and Partnership, to guide discussions across the three days.
The case studies described in this brief reveal that there are benefits for suppliers to implementing social and environmental improvement programs, including improved workforce productivity, cost savings, and stronger competitiveness. Buyers also b...Read More
The failure of governments to protect workers’ rights in the global economy has left a yawning gap of regulation and helped spawn an $80 billion industry in corporate social responsibility (CSR) and social auditing. Yet the experience of the last ...Read More
The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region continues to host groups highly vulnerable to trafficking and exploitation. Migrant workers, particularly domestic workers, are known to be among those who are most at risk. While the region is co...Read More
The study examined 43 prevention initiatives, of which a share of 40% concerned actions in Romania, Bulgaria and Hungary. The vast majority of the (cca 85 %) in the given sample targeted information and awareness-raising measures, followed by capaci...Read More
2025 © Copyright, RESPECT International. All Rights Reserved. Website Disclaimer | Privacy Policy
