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An estimated 7 million people live in modern slavery across Africa, making it the region with the fourth-highest prevalence in the world. The rates stand at 5.2 people per thousand for modern slavery, 2.9 per thousand for forced labor, and 2.4 per thousand for forced marriage. Eritrea, Mauritania, and South Sudan have the highest prevalence rates of modern slavery, while the lowest rates are found in Mauritius, Lesotho, and Botswana. 

Modern slavery in Africa is compounded by a myriad of challenges, including political instability, poverty, and ongoing conflicts. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has further heightened vulnerabilities, leading to spikes in child marriages in countries like Sudan, Egypt, Senegal, and Uganda. Another distinct challenge in Africa is descent-based slavery, especially in parts of the Sahel. Victims are also at risk due to fraudulent employment opportunities, often ending up in forced labor situations in foreign countries like the Gulf states. Traditional practices, like the “confiage” system in Togo and the talibe children in Senegal, further perpetuate forced labor and exploitation. Women and girls in conflict zones are at increased risk of forced and child marriage, often as a negative coping mechanism against further violence. Despite efforts by countries like Nigeria and South Africa to combat modern slavery, the region still has a long way to go in terms of supporting survivors, strengthening protective laws, and implementing effective national strategies.

An estimated 5.1 million people are living in conditions of modern slavery in the Americas, making it the region with the lowest prevalence among the five global regions. The rates stand at 5 people per thousand for modern slavery, 3.5 per thousand for forced labor, and 1.5 per thousand for forced marriage. Brazil, the United States, and Mexico are the countries with the highest numbers of people living in modern slavery, accounting for three out of every five people subjected to these conditions in the region. In contrast, Canada, Uruguay, and Chile have the lowest prevalence. 

Modern slavery in the Americas is deeply ingrained in a complex web of societal issues like inequality, discrimination against migrants and minority groups, and increasing poverty. The situation has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has increased vulnerabilities especially among migrant communities. Another concerning trend is the involvement of children in armed conflicts, particularly in Colombia and Venezuela, which has long-term traumatic effects. Furthermore, commercial sexual exploitation of children is an issue, particularly in the Caribbean where sex tourism is an issue. Forced marriage, although less prevalent than forced labor, is still a concern and is often linked to poverty, lower educational attainment, and patriarchal societal norms. In terms of government action, the United States, Canada, Argentina, and Uruguay are making strides in combating modern slavery, but much more needs to be done across the region in terms of strengthening legislation and addressing the gender inequalities that often underpin these exploitative practices.

An estimated 1.7 million people are living in modern slavery in the Arab States. However, because its population is less than other regions, it hides the fact that it also has the highest prevalence rate at 10.1 people per thousand. Forced labor accounts for 5.3 per thousand, and forced marriage stands at 4.8 per thousand. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait have the highest prevalence, while Saudi Arabia and Iraq alone account for half of the region’s total modern slavery cases. The exploitation primarily affects sectors like domestic work, construction, hospitality, and security. 

Modern slavery in the Arab States is aggravated by conflicts, political instability, and economic hardships. Over 20 million refugees and internally displaced persons are from this region, adding to its complexities. The kafala system operating in many countries in the region further institutionalizes forced labor. Families displaced by conflicts in Syria, Iraq, and Yemen often resort to forced and child marriage as a coping mechanism. The COVID-19 pandemic has worsened these vulnerabilities, and despite efforts by countries like Bahrain and the UAE, there is a pressing need for comprehensive strategies and reforms.

Asia and the Pacific region, home to 56% of the world’s population, holds an estimated 29.3 million people living in modern slavery, accounting for 59% of the global total. When adjusted for population size, the prevalence rate is 6.8 per thousand people. Forced labor is particularly significant, impacting 3.5 per thousand, and the region has the world’s second-highest rate of forced marriage at 3.3 per thousand. North Korea leads with the highest prevalence, followed by Afghanistan and Myanmar. India, China, and North Korea together account for two-thirds of the region’s total cases of modern slavery. Vulnerable sectors include debt-bonded labor in South Asia, state-imposed forced labor in North Korea and China, and hereditary forms of bonded labor.

Modern slavery in Asia and the Pacific is highly influenced by regional diversity, cultural attitudes, and varying degrees of economic stability. Discrimination based on gender, race, caste, and ethnicity further aggravates the situation. Conflict, such as the Rohingya crisis in Myanmar and political instability like the rise of the Taliban in Afghanistan, compound these challenges. Additionally, climate change and the COVID-19 pandemic have worsened economic insecurities, thereby heightening vulnerabilities to modern slavery. Countries like Australia, the Philippines, and Thailand have taken the most action to combat the issue, while North Korea and Iran have done the least. 

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