Fact of the Day

Almost 21 million people are victims of forced labor – 11.4 million women and girls and 9.5 million men and boys, said the International Labor Organization, a tripartite body representing governments, workers, and employers from around the world. Almost 19 million victims are exploited by private individuals or enterprises and over 2 million by the state or rebel groups. Of those exploited by individuals or enterprises, 4.5 million are victims of forced sexual exploitation.

Those who exact forced labor generate vast illegal profits. Domestic work, agriculture, construction, manufacturing and entertainment are among the sectors most concerned. Migrant workers and indigenous people are particularly vulnerable to forced labor.