Image courtesy of Anti-Slavery International
In terms of modern slavery, we are looking at: forced and compulsory labour, human trafficking, worst forms of child labour, bonded labour (debt bondage), forced marriage and descent-based slavery.
Jasmine went onto look at 2 of the lesser talked about and less known forms of slavery that are still commonplace around the world:
Descent-based slavery
Moulkheir story was harrowing, born into a slave family in Mauritania then working as a slave, rarely had enough to eat, regularly beaten and then sent to another home into a forced marriage. Her treatment and that of her daughters was shocking but her brother managed to get word to Anti-Slavery International’s partner in Mauritania, who rescued them and helped them build a livelihood and a future.
Read more about Moulkheir’s story here
Bonded slavery
Image courtesy of Anti-Slavery International
Bindu and her family, along with three other families, became trapped in bonded labour after accepting a loan from an agent who moved them to a brick factory in Punjab for the brick-making season. They were lied to, the accommodation was squalid, there were no toilets or fresh running water – and there was no chance to earn enough to ever pay back the debt. There were daily threats and violence, the workers started to get sick, for Bindu’s brother-in-law it ended tragically – he became ill with fever and, without any treatment, died soon after. Bindi came across Anti–Slavery International’s partner’s helpline who reported the kiln owner to the local authority, but Bindi was the only one who had the courage to make a stand and make a statement. They were rescued, the workers received formal bonded labour release certificates, compensation, and were assisted to return home to start of life of freedom.
Read more about Bindi’s story here
And more stories from those who have managed to find freedom here
And unfortunately, the pandemic has made things even worse
For those who are enslaved, or vulnerable, self-isolation is not possible, or it leads to unemployment and destitution and in turn rocketing unemployment may then lead many into forms of slavery for survival. Where there is discrimination, for example in low-caste or slave communities, they become further marginalised as more exposed to the virus. And migrant workers are frequently too scared of authorities to seek healthcare when they fall sick, helping to spread the virus.