Understanding the Overlap and Distinctions in Contemporary Exploitation

Human trafficking and modern-day slavery are two of the most pressing human rights issues of our time. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they are distinct in their legal definitions, underlying structures, and impact on victims. This article walks you through the differences between both forms of exploitation and how you can help combat them effectively.

Defining the Terms: A Legal and Practical Perspective

Human trafficking is defined by the United Nations Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons as “the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring, or receipt of persons by means of threat, force, coercion, or deception for the purpose of exploitation.” This exploitation can include forced labor, sexual slavery, organ harvesting, or servitude.

Modern-day slavery, on the other hand, is a broader term encompassing various forms of exploitation, including forced labor, bonded labor, domestic servitude, child labor, and forced marriage. The Global Slavery Index estimates that over 50 million people worldwide live in modern slavery conditions, making it one of the most pervasive human rights crises today.

Key Differences Between Human Trafficking and Modern-Day Slavery

Consent vs. Coercion: Human trafficking involves deception, fraud, or coercion to exploit individuals. Modern slavery may include individuals born into slavery-like conditions or forced to remain in servitude due to financial or societal pressures.

Movement and Borders: While human trafficking often involves the movement of victims across regions or borders, modern slavery can occur without transportation. Victims can be exploited within their own homes or workplaces without relocation.

Economic vs. Criminal Networks: Human trafficking is often linked to organized crime and global illicit networks, whereas Modern slavery can occur within legitimate industries, such as agriculture, manufacturing, domestic work, and even telecoms supply chains.

Legal Recognition: Most international laws specifically address human trafficking, with dedicated anti-trafficking legislation. Modern slavery, however, is a broader issue that often falls under labor rights, human rights, or criminal law depending on the jurisdiction.

Enabling and Combatting Exploitation

The telecommunications and mobile networks industry plays a significant role in both enabling and fighting exploitation. On one hand, traffickers use encrypted messaging apps, social media, and dark web platforms to recruit, transport, and control victims. On the other, AI-driven telecom fraud detection systems and mobile network data analytics are playing a pivotal role in helping to identify traffickers and locate victims in distress.

Organizations such as Polaris use big data to analyze trafficking patterns, helping law enforcement and NGOs dismantle trafficking networks. Mobile network operators can also track suspicious activity, such as frequently changing SIM cards or unusual communication patterns, to aid investigations.

Real-World Examples: Cases of Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery

Peru: Rescuing Victims from Forced Labor in Gold Mines

In the Amazon, illegal gold mining has become a significant hub for human trafficking and modern slavery. Traffickers lure individuals with false job promises, only for them to be subjected to extreme exploitation in hazardous mining operations. Not For Sale has developed a scholarship program to provide housing, school fees, supplies and emotional support for vulnerable young children in these rural areas. To increase economic opportunity in the region, Not for Sale – Peru, also supports the AFIMAD cooperative; nine indigenous communities that sustainably gather Brazil nuts from the Amazon, increasing the value of their crop, and empowering local indigenous communities to secure and manage their local land and business opportunities. To learn more about Not For Sale – Peru, click here. 

Vietnam: Empowering Survivors through Social Enterprises

Vietnam has long struggled with forced labor in manufacturing and human trafficking across its borders. Many victims, including young women and children, are trafficked into exploitative factory jobs or forced into sex work. Not For Sale – Vietnam, works directly in these affected regions, providing street children in Hanoi with a brighter and safer future through shelter and education. You can learn more about their impact here.

Thailand: Protecting Trafficked Individuals in the Fishing Industry

Stateless children face difficulties in enrolling in any official Thai school, so struggle to get an education and are aggressively targeted by human traffickers. It is estimated that up to 200,000 migrant children are not in school. Education has the power to eliminate the language barrier, increase socio-economic status and provide children with security. Not For Sale – Thailand provide these children with safety, stability, nutritious meals and medical care. They enroll children in primary, secondary, or university education and offer shelter and long-term housing for youths rescued from exploitation. To learn more about their ongoing efforts in Thailand, click here.

The Global Response: How Governments and Organizations Are Fighting Back

Governments and international bodies have implemented various anti-trafficking and anti-slavery laws, including:

The U.S. Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) – Establishes severe penalties for traffickers and provides protections for victims.

The UK Modern Slavery Act (2015) – Requires businesses to disclose their efforts in eliminating forced labor from supply chains.

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) – Goal 8.7 calls for the eradication of modern slavery and human trafficking.

NGOs, activists, and corporate initiatives have also taken steps, with blockchain technology now being used to ensure ethical supply chains in industries like textiles, agriculture, and mobile phone manufacturing.

What Can You Do? How Individuals and Businesses Can Make an Impact

Stay Informed: Follow credible organizations like Not For Sale Campaign to stay updated on human trafficking and modern slavery issues. Sign up to the Not For Sale newsletter for regular updates in this space.

Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect human trafficking, report it to local authorities or national hotlines.

United States: National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888 or text “HELP” to 233733 

United Kingdom: Modern Slavery Helpline: 08000 121 700

Canada: Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-833-900-1010 

Australia: National Human Trafficking Hotline: 131 237 (Australian Federal Police)

Thailand: Anti-Human Trafficking Division Hotline: 1300 

Vietnam: Blue Dragon Rescue Hotline: +84 90 455 5545

Brazil: Dial 100 to report trafficking cases (Brazilian Human Rights Secretariat)

South Africa:National Human Trafficking Hotline: 0800 222 777

Support Ethical Brands: Many companies unknowingly source materials from suppliers linked to forced labor. To ensure ethical purchasing, consult resources like the Ethical Fashion Guide, originally developed by Not For Sale in partnership with the U.S. State Department, and now a resource of Baptist World Aid, which evaluates brands on their labor and environmental practices.

Advocate for Stronger Laws: Lobby for stricter enforcement of anti-trafficking and anti-slavery legislation in your country.

A Unified Fight Against Exploitation

While human trafficking and modern-day slavery are distinct issues, they share a common foundation: the exploitation of vulnerable individuals for profit. To combat these crises effectively, governments, businesses, and civil society must work together, leveraging technology, policy, and ethical practices to protect human dignity. Raising awareness, enforcing laws, and holding corporations accountable are key steps toward eradicating these forms of exploitation.

References & Further Reading

• Global Slavery Index: https://www.globalslaveryindex.org/
• Polaris Project: https://polarisproject.org/
• Not For Sale Campaign: https://www.notforsalecampaign.org/