Slavery isn’t a thing of the past. Around the world - including Australia - men, women, and children are subjected to trafficking, exploitation, and slavery crimes. According to research findings, there are now more people enslaved than in any other time in history.
Every year on 30 July, World Day Against Trafficking In Persons aims to:
- raise awareness
- encourage vigilance
- gain support for the prevention of trafficking and protection of victims of trafficking and modern slavery.
The campaign will be marked by a blue heart symbolising the sadness of those who are trafficked and use the hashtag #EndHumanTrafficking.
This year’s theme is the use and abuse of technology. The use of technology globally has seen traffickers increasingly use online platforms to recruit, exploit and have power over individuals. The theme also highlights opportunities that exist in using technology to combat modern slavery.
Types of modern slavery
Modern slavery is when coercion, threats or deception are used to exploit individuals and deprive them of their freedom. Modern slavery can take various forms including forced labour, forced marriage, and human trafficking but what these serious crimes have in common are the that they undermine a person’s freedom and ability to make choices for themselves.
Common myths
Every day we are surrounded by modern slavery, but many people don’t realise it.
