International Day for the Abolition of Slavery

“Eradicating contemporary forms of slavery such as human trafficking, sexual exploitation, child labor, forced marriage, and the forced recruitment of children in armed conflicts” remains the central objective of the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, established on December 2, 1949, by the United Nations General Assembly with the adoption of the Convention for the Suppression of the Traffic in Persons and of the Exploitation of the Prostitution of Others (A/RES/317(IV)).

This day provides a crucial opportunity to take a clear-eyed look at the new forms of modern slavery, while remembering that certain traditional practices persist. It also aims to raise awareness among the public and authorities, and to recognize the progress that has been made.

UNESCO also plays a major role through its Slave Route Project, which helps break the silence surrounding the transatlantic slave trade. The organization continues to support research in under-documented regions, the preservation of written archives and intangible heritage, and the development of new educational tools.

Increasingly Alarming Numbers

Global data remains deeply concerning: 50 million people are currently living in conditions of modern slavery, including 28 million in forced labor and 22 million in forced marriage. One in eight victims is a child. Women and girls are disproportionately affected, representing 80% of victims in the sex industry.

2025 update: staggering profits

According to a recent ILO report (2025), annual profits generated from forced labor have now reached USD 236 billion. This figure reflects money systematically extracted from workers through coercive practices—income taken from people already struggling to meet their families’ basic needs.

• For migrant workers, these losses directly reduce the funds they can send home.
• For governments, they represent lost tax revenue, given the illicit nature of these activities.
• More broadly, these profits fuel exploitation, strengthen criminal networks, foster corruption, and undermine the rule of law.

The report Profits and Poverty: The Economic Dimension of Forced Labor also highlights that these profits have grown over the past decade, due both to the increase in forced labor and to the higher profits generated per victim.

The SNJM commitment

It is worth remembering that the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary (SNJM) adopted a corporate stand against human trafficking as early as 2004—an early and courageous commitment to this global struggle. Their commitment continues to serve as an important benchmark in today’s efforts to end all forms of exploitation.