In today’s interconnected economy, a hidden epidemic of exploitation persists beneath the surface of global commerce. With 49.6 million people currently living in modern slavery worldwide, businesses are increasingly finding themselves at the frontline of anti-slavery efforts, confronting both moral imperatives and legal obligations[1][5]. This article explores the modern anti-slavery movement, its impact on business operations, the global context of modern slavery, and what organisations must consider to address this critical human rights issue.

The Scope and Scale of Modern Slavery

Modern slavery represents one of the world’s most persistent human rights violations, affecting nearly 50 million people globally. This includes 27.6 million people in forced labor and 22 million victims of forced marriage[1][5]. Even more concerning is the significant increase in these numbers — 10 million more people have fallen into modern slavery since 2016, signaling an alarming trend rather than progress[5].

The victims of modern slavery cross all demographic boundaries, though certain populations face heightened vulnerability. Women and children remain disproportionately affected, with children representing approximately one in four of all victims[5][6]. Modern slavery manifests in various forms, including forced labor, human trafficking, debt bondage, commercial sexual exploitation, and forced marriage[7].

Despite common misconceptions that slavery is primarily an issue in developing countries, modern slavery exists in virtually every nation. More than half of all forced labor and a quarter of all forced marriages occur in upper-middle-income or high-income countries[5]. Six G20 nations rank among the countries with the largest numbers of people trapped in modern slavery: India (11 million), China (5.8 million), Russia (1.9 million), Indonesia (1.8 million), Türkiye (1.3 million), and the United States (1.1 million)[3].

Root Causes and Contributing Factors

Several interrelated factors contribute to the persistence of modern slavery. Poverty remains a fundamental driver, with over 780 million people living below the international poverty line, making them vulnerable to exploitation[1]. Discrimination and marginalisation increase risk for women, children, migrants, refugees, and ethnic and religious minorities[1].

Civil disruption and armed conflict create conditions where exploitation thrives, as displaced populations become particularly vulnerable[1]. Recent research has also identified climate change as an exacerbating factor, creating a “vicious circle” linking environmental degradation with increased vulnerability to exploitation[7]. The COVID-19 pandemic further intensified these risks through its economic and social impacts[3].

The Business Impact of Modern Anti-Slavery Legislation

For businesses, addressing modern slavery is no longer optional. Governments worldwide have introduced legislation requiring companies to identify and mitigate slavery risks in their operations and supply chains.

Australia’s Modern Slavery Act, implemented in 2018, requires businesses with annual revenue exceeding $100 million to report on slavery risks within their operations and supply chains[2]. Following a 2023 statutory review, the Australian government has agreed to strengthen this legislation further, with recommendations including introducing penalties for non-compliance, lowering the reporting threshold to $50 million, and requiring entities to report on specific modern slavery incidents or risks[8].

The business impact extends beyond compliance. Modern slavery can distort global markets and undercut responsible businesses that invest in ethical practices[2]. Companies that exploit workers through forced labor gain unfair competitive advantages over those respecting human rights. Conversely, addressing modern slavery risks improves supply chain integrity, increases profitability, and protects brand reputation[2].

High-Risk Industries and Supply Chains

The Global Slavery Index reveals that G20 nations import US$468 billion of at-risk products annually[3]. These products are often found in everyday consumer goods across various industries. Electronics represent the highest value at-risk product category (US$243.6 billion), followed by garments (US$147.9 billion), palm oil (US$19.7 billion), solar panels (US$14.8 billion), and textiles (US$12.7 billion)[3].

Certain industries face particularly high risks of modern slavery in their operations and supply chains. Agriculture, construction, domestic work, hospitality, and manufacturing are considered especially vulnerable sectors[2]. Within these industries, complex, multi-tier supply chains often obscure exploitative labor practices, making due diligence challenging but essential.

The Global Anti-Slavery Movement

The modern anti-slavery movement encompasses diverse organisations working across multiple fronts. Anti-Slavery International, the world’s oldest human rights organisation, has been working to end slavery for over 180 years, tracing its roots to the abolition movement that contributed to ending the Transatlantic Slave Trade[4][6].

Today’s anti-slavery movement employs various strategies to combat modern slavery. Anti-Slavery International focuses on five key approaches: system change, working with survivors, building movements, framing the issue, and strengthening legal frameworks[7]. These strategies recognise that ending modern slavery requires addressing root causes and systemic issues rather than merely treating symptoms.

International organisations play crucial roles in monitoring and addressing modern slavery globally. The International Labour Organisation, Walk Free, and the International Organisation for Migration collaborate to produce the Global Estimates of Modern Slavery, providing essential data to inform policy responses[5]. Their research has highlighted connections between modern slavery and contemporary challenges like climate change, helping to shape more comprehensive approaches to prevention.

Government Action and Legislation

Governments worldwide have introduced anti-slavery legislation, though the Global Slavery Index notes that government action has stagnated since 2018, particularly among G20 countries[3]. The United Kingdom introduced the world’s first Modern Slavery Act in 2015, setting a precedent for other nations[4]. Australia followed with its own Modern Slavery Act in 2018, which is currently being strengthened based on recommendations from a statutory review[8].

In Australia, the recent appointment of Chris Evans as the inaugural Australian Anti-Slavery Commissioner marks a significant step forward. Beginning his five-year term in December 2024, the Commissioner will work with government, business, civil society, and communities to promote compliance with the Modern Slavery Act, support victims and survivors, raise awareness, and combat modern slavery both domestically and internationally[8].

What Organisations Need to Consider

For organisations navigating modern slavery risks, several key considerations merit attention:

Supply Chain Due Diligence

Organisations must implement robust due diligence processes to identify and address modern slavery risks throughout their supply chains. This includes mapping suppliers beyond the first tier, conducting risk assessments, and implementing ongoing monitoring systems. The Australian government’s proposed amendments to the Modern Slavery Act would require entities to have a due diligence system in place[8], signaling the growing importance of this approach.

Compliance with Evolving Legislation

As anti-slavery legislation continues to develop globally, businesses must stay informed about their obligations across all jurisdictions where they operate. The trend toward more stringent requirements, including the potential introduction of penalties for non-compliance in Australia[8], means that organisations should proactively strengthen their anti-slavery frameworks rather than merely meeting minimum requirements.

Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration

Effective anti-slavery strategies require collaboration with workers, suppliers, industry peers, civil society organisations, and government agencies. In Mauritius, for example, Anti-Slavery International has worked with governments, businesses, trade unions, and migrant groups to protect the rights of migrant garment workers who produce textiles exported worldwide[7]. This collaborative approach strengthens detection and prevention efforts while building collective capacity to address complex issues.

Victim-Centered Approaches

Organisations should develop policies and procedures that prioritise the needs and voices of survivors. Anti-Slavery International emphasises working with survivors and survivor-led organisations to ensure their perspectives inform anti-slavery initiatives[7]. In the UK, for instance, they supported research conducted by people with lived experience of modern slavery to evaluate support systems and inform advocacy for better survivor services[7].

Transparency and Reporting

Regular, comprehensive disclosure of anti-slavery efforts builds trust with consumers, investors, and regulators. Organisations should view mandatory reporting not as a compliance exercise but as an opportunity to demonstrate genuine commitment to ethical practices. Voluntary reporting is also an option for smaller companies below mandatory reporting thresholds who wish to demonstrate leadership in this area[8].

The Path Forward

As awareness of modern slavery grows and anti-slavery legislation strengthens globally, organisations must integrate human rights considerations into their core business strategies. The appointment of dedicated anti-slavery commissioners, expanding legislation, and increasing consumer awareness all signal that scrutiny of business practices will intensify.

The business case for addressing modern slavery extends beyond compliance. Companies that demonstrate leadership in this area gain consumer trust, investor confidence, and competitive advantages in markets increasingly concerned with ethical sourcing. By embracing their role in combating modern slavery, businesses contribute to global efforts to ensure freedom and dignity for all workers while building more resilient, sustainable operations.

Modern anti-slavery efforts represent a crucial frontier in the ongoing struggle for human rights in the global economy. With 50 million lives at stake, the urgency of this work cannot be overstated. Through collaborative, sustained efforts across business, government, and civil society, progress toward a world free from slavery becomes possible — but only if organisations recognise their responsibility and take meaningful action.

Sources
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[2] How Modern Slavery Laws Affect Your Business | Conserve https://www.conserve.com.au/blog/how-modern-slavery-laws-affect-your-business
[3] The Global Slavery Index 2023 — World — ReliefWeb https://reliefweb.int/report/world/global-slavery-index-2023
[4] Frequently asked questions — Anti-Slavery International https://www.antislavery.org/slavery-today/frequently-asked-questions/
[5] 50 million people worldwide in modern slavery https://www.ilo.org/resource/news/50-million-people-worldwide-modern-slavery-0
[6] Anti-Slavery International | Fighting for Freedom from Slavery https://www.antislavery.org
[7] How we work to end slavery https://www.antislavery.org/what-we-do/how-we-work/
[8] Modern slavery | Attorney-General’s Department https://www.ag.gov.au/crime/people-smuggling-and-human-trafficking/modern-slavery
[9] What is modern slavery? https://www.antislavery.org/slavery-today/modern-slavery/
[10] Modern Slavery in Australia https://www.modernslavery.gov.au
[11] The Impact of Modern Slavery On Your Business — Madison Marcus https://www.madisonmarcus.com.au/news-media/areas-of-law/esg-modern-slavery/the-impact-of-modern-slavery-on-your-business/
[12] Global findings on modern slavery — Walk Free https://www.walkfree.org/global-slavery-index/findings/global-findings/
[13] ISO/CD 37200.2 — Managing the risk of modern slavery. Guidance … https://www.iso.org/standard/75073.html
[14] Modern Slavery — A brief summary of a complex, global issue https://www.fairsupply.com/articles/modern-slavery-a-brief-summary-of-a-complex-global-issue
[15] Modern Slavery Act 2018 — Federal Register of Legislation https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2018A00153
[16] Modern Slavery Act’s impact on small business — Macquarie University https://www.mq.edu.au/partner/access-business-opportunities/innovation-entrepreneurship-and-it/incubator/news/news-items/the-impact-of-the-modern-slavery-act-on-small-business
[17] 50 million people in modern slavery: UN report | United Nations https://www.un.org/en/delegate/50-million-people-modern-slavery-un-report
[18] [PDF] Guidance on Reasonable Steps https://dcj.nsw.gov.au/documents/legal-and-justice/anti-slavery-commissioner/due-diligence-and-reporting/guidance-on-reasonable-steps.pdf
[19] Modern Slavery in Global Context — Bristol University Press https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/modern-slavery-in-global-context
[20] Anti Slavery Australia: Home https://antislavery.org.au