darenbullockThe International Labour Organization (ILO) is among the most trusted sources for understanding the global situation of Human Trafficking. According to it’s most recent report on forced labour, there are an estimate 40.3 million people trapped in modern-day slavery around the world today! Slaves are forced to work in horrendous conditions, without pay, under the treat of violence to themselves and their families. They are hidden from the world in once sense and yet very visible in another! They live on the same street as we do! They live next door to us! They work alongside us in every industry! They travel, walk and bump into us as we hustle around! They cannot walk away! They are trapped! They often have no papers and and powerless! They are slaves!
Slavery isn’t legal anywhere but happens almost everywhere!
How is this even possible?
We often think that the sex industry is accountable for most of those who are held in modern slavery, however, this is not true. Forced labour accounts for about 50% of those enslaved, however, approximately 19% are victims of forced sexual exploitation.
Therefore, unbeknown to you, it is possible that you may interact with a modern day slave in your workplace as your go about your daily business. Slavery today is a hidden crime, making it harder for the public to see and for those in slavery to call out for help! It is however very real and is now engrained into our everyday lives.
In fact, Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery is now official the fastest growing criminal activity worldwide. Read about the fastest growing crime worldwide! (Link to other blog post)
In 1850, an average slave in America cost the equivalent of £30,000 ($40,000) in today’s money. Today, in 2020, a slave costs about £70 ($90) on average worldwide! This figure are taken from the book, ‘Disposable People: New Slavery in the Global Economy.’
With the cost of a slave reduced to £70, this makes people disposable! If someone becomes ill or too injured to work, they can be discarded without a second thought! Someone else can be kidnapped, trafficked or bought from another criminal gang.
Will you take a moment to consider what £70 means? $90!!!
As I consider this myself, I feel numb. I don’t know what I am supposed to think, or feel! As I shared this fact with my 10-year-old son, his response was quick, simple and direct, ‘Why don’t we buy someone and set them free?’ Surely, this crossed your mind, right?
If only it was that simple…
Be sure to like us on FACEBOOK to keep up to date with what we are doing and subscribe to our YOUTUBE CHANNEL.
Add comment