The International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, established by the United Nations, is observed annually on 2nd December. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing need to support efforts to combat modern forms of slavery which continue to affect millions globally. Dr Alicia Heys, Senior Lecturer in Modern Slavery, considers the conditions that can render individuals vulnerable to exploitation and barriers to proactive action against modern slavery.
Understanding Modern Slavery
While the term modern slavery lacks a precise legal or universally accepted definition, it generally encompasses extremely exploitative practices, including forced labour, domestic servitude, criminal and sexual exploitation, and human trafficking. These forms of exploitation often operate covertly and are deeply embedded in systems and practices that exploit vulnerability. Vulnerable populations—such as those experiencing poverty, displacement, or social marginalisation—are at particular risk.
Recent research at the Wilberforce Institute has examined some of the vulnerabilities that heighten the risk of exploitation, particularly in contexts of conflict and displacement. Armed conflict often forces millions of people to flee their homes, creating conditions in which exploitation can flourish. Such displaced individuals face increased risks of trafficking and exploitation due to their precarious legal and social circumstances, which leave them exposed to abuse.
Hostile Environments and the Risk to Victims
While the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery encourages us to think about how we may collectively and proactively tackle modern slavery, it also gives us the chance to reflect on the barriers that exist that prevent us from doing so. A key element that is interrupting efforts to tackle modern slavery is the way in which hostile environments facing migrants are serving to complicate responses to trafficking by generating blurred lines between human trafficking and ‘illegal migration’.
This approach risks punishing victims of modern slavery for immigration offences, rather than recognising them as victims in need of support.
For example, the UK’s ‘hostile environment’ policies have been criticised for prioritising immigration control over victim protection and support. These measures can discourage victims from engaging with services, fearing detention or deportation, while traffickers take advantage of their precarious legal status. Research from the Wilberforce Institute has investigated ways in which this victim/offender overlap exists in practice and how it impacts the legal enforcement of modern slavery and risks undermining victims’ access to justice and recovery. Addressing these blurred lines is critical to ensuring victims of trafficking are identified and supported rather than punished for crimes committed as a direct result of their modern slavery experiences.
Shared Responsibilities
Efforts might include supporting initiatives that aid survivors, advocating for stronger protections for vulnerable groups, or simply learning more about the complex ways in which modern slavery operates.
Modern slavery remains an ongoing challenge which is shaped by deeply entrenched inequalities. Recognising and addressing these complexities is crucial to developing informed and practical approaches to reduce harm and support those affected. Many of these issues are rooted in systemic problems, such as global economic disparities, inadequate legal protections, and the marginalisation of vulnerable groups, which require better understanding in order to effect sustained structural change.
While the challenges are vast; small, continual actions can collectively make a difference. By fostering awareness, building resilience in communities, and addressing the conditions that allow exploitation to flourish, we can contribute to creating safer and fairer environments for everyone.
Get Involved
The Wilberforce Institute hosts an annual essay competition, ‘The Subedi Essay Prize’ which is now open. Directly aligned with the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, we invite essays between 3,000-5,000 words on the abolition of modern forms of slavery or the protection of human dignity anywhere in the world. The deadline is 31 December 2024, and the winner will receive £500 in recognition of their success. You may find terms and conditions and information on how to submit your entry here.