Latest modern slavery fight updates - FreedomUnited.org

‘Human life is more expendable’: why slavery has never made more money

  • Published on
    July 31, 2017
  • News Source Image
  • Category:
    Human Trafficking
Hero Banner

The average profit generated by a victim of modern slavery is $3,978 (£3,030) a year, according to Harvard economist Siddharth Kara. Sex trafficking is by far the most lucrative form, with average annual of $36,000 from each victim. Trafficking for commercial sexual exploitation also makes up an estimated 50% of the total illegal profits, despite only accounting for 5% of victims.

Kara’s calculations are based on data drawn from 51 different countries over a 15-year period, as well as detailed interviews with over 5,000 survivors.

“Human life has become more expendable than ever,” said Kara. “Slaves can be acquired, exploited and discarded in relatively short periods and still provide immense profits for their exploiters. The deficiency in the global response to slavery has allowed the practice to persist. Unless slavery is perceived as a high-cost and high-risk form of labour exploitation, this reality will not change.”

He also asserts that conflict is creating greater vulnerability for those who must flee war zones, however much of human trafficking is “domestic and small-scale.”

“Every single person will have come into contact with a victim of trafficking without noticing it.”

Two hundred years ago, slavery entailed long, expensive journeys and high mortality. In comparison, the modern slave trade exploits lower risk and faster, cheaper transportation to produce far higher profits. Mass global migration produces a ready supply of victims, which are funneled to various industries throughout the global economy, like seafood, fashion, and commercial sexual exploitation.

According to Kevin Bale, professor of contemporary slavery at the University of Nottingham, slavery could be eliminated within twenty years, and at the cost of as little as $23 billion, or 15 percent of the force labor’s estimated profits.

“It is a dire challenge that we face but slavery can be a thing of the past, it is just a question of the political will and determination to do it.”

Subscribe

Freedom United is interested in hearing from our community and welcomes relevant, informed comments, advice, and insights that advance the conversation around our campaigns and advocacy. We value inclusivity and respect within our community. To be approved, your comments should be civil.

stop icon A few things we do not tolerate: comments that promote discrimination, prejudice, racism, or xenophobia, as well as personal attacks or profanity. We screen submissions in order to create a space where the entire Freedom United community feels safe to express and exchange thoughtful opinions.

Notify of
guest
0 Comments
Most Voted
Newest Oldest
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

This week

Advocacy groups successfully stall Shein U.K. IPO

Britain's Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is taking longer than usual to approve Shein’s London IPO due to concerns raised by the advocacy group Stop Uyghur Genocide (SUG) regarding alleged links between Shein’s supply chain and forced labor in the Uyghur Region. Sources close to the matter suggest the FCA is reviewing the company's oversight and preparing for potential legal challenges, including a judicial review application. The global fast

| Thursday December 12, 2024

Read more