Submission to the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery
15 March 2021
The Commonwealth 8.7 Network and CHRI submitted a joint response to the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery’s call for inputs on the nexus between forced displacement and contemporary forms of slavery. The statement included input from 5 Network members representing Australia, Canada, Nigeria and Vanuatu. The response was published on the OHCHR website and will go on to inform the Special Rapporteur’s thematic report that will be presented at the 48th Regular Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council. The response addresses how the marginalisation and lack of protection afforded to displaced persons increases their vulnerability to contemporary forms of slavery. It also notes the employment challenges faced by displaced persons and how this increases their risk of exploitation. The response also highlights the heightened risk of displaced children and adolescents, particularly those who are unaccompanied.
Joint Submission on Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2024
October 2024
Despite Commonwealth commitments to promote and protect human rights, equality and justice, millions remain entrapped in modern slavery including human trafficking - gross violations of human rights that demand immediate action. The Commonwealth, with its rich tapestry of cultures and shared values, has a unique opportunity to lead the fight against these heinous crimes.
It is estimated that 50 million people worldwide are living in modern slavery on any given day, either forced to work against their will or subject to forced marriage. This equates to one in every 150 people living in the Commonwealth. According to the 2021 Global Slavery Index (GSI), 27.7 million people are trapped in forced labour and 22 million in forced or servile marriage.
An estimated one in four victims of modern slavery are children - 12 million globally. Of these, 3.3 million children are in forced labour and 8.9 million children in forced marriages. According to the UNHCR as of May 2024 there are 120 million people across the world who have been forcibly displaced leaving them vulnerable to predatory exploiters.