Modern Slavery and Forced Labor
49.6 million people are trapped in modern slavery, comprising 27.6 million in forced labor and 22 million in forced marriage. The number increased by 10 million between 2016 and 2021. Human trafficking generates 236 billion USD annually. Migrant workers face three times the risk of forced labor. The crisis is embedded in global supply chains, with the private sector accounting for 86 percent of forced labor cases. Asia-Pacific hosts 15.1 million cases, the largest regional concentration.
Probability
Horizon: 5y
Claims
Modern slavery affects 49.6 million people globally and is increasing, not decreasing, despite two decades of anti-trafficking policy.
ILO Global Estimates (2021) are the most methodologically rigorous count available, using multiple systems estimation and nationally representative surveys. The upward trend from 40.3M to 49.6M is documented across measurement periods. Evidence Level B.
Indicators
- • 49.6 million people in modern slavery, up from 40.3 million in 2016
- • Human trafficking generates 236 billion USD annually
- • Migrant workers three times more likely to experience forced labor
- • 86 percent of forced labor occurs in private sector supply chains
- • Asia-Pacific region hosts 15.1 million forced labor cases
- • 10 million increase over five-year period despite policy interventions
Interactions
Sources
- ILO, Walk Free, IOM — Global Estimates of Modern Slavery (2021) (accessed Fri Apr 03 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time))
- Walk Free Foundation — Global Slavery Index (accessed Fri Apr 03 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time))
- ILO — Profits and Poverty: Economics of Forced Labour (2024) (accessed Fri Apr 03 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time))