We can not ignore this issue – and today is an important reminder.
(written by Sally Irwin)
“It was a moment that forever changed my understanding of the world. Years ago, while living in Berlin, Germany, I encountered individuals trapped in conditions that could only be described as modern slavery. So I was faced with the stark realisation that slavery had not ended with the transatlantic slave trade. It had merely transformed and persisted into the present day. As a result, I was ignited with a passion to combat this pervasive injustice. I just could not ignore what I had seen.“
The International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade
Today, we observe the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade. This is a day designated by the United Nations to honour and remember those who suffered and died as a consequence of the transatlantic slave trade. Because this is recognised as one of the worst violations of human rights in history (un.org). This day serves as a reminder of the atrocities of the past and compels us to reflect on the enduring impact of slavery’s legacy.
Here are some recent statistics from the Mekong Club. They are a leading organisation dedicated to combating modern slavery and these figures reveal the staggering scale of this issue:
- Over 50 million individuals are currently trapped in modern slavery worldwide.
- 16 million victims are exploited within supply chains across various industries.
- More than 60% of these victims are located in Asia, highlighting the regional prevalence of this crime.
- Annually, modern slavery generates approximately $260 billion USD in illicit profits.
- Alarmingly, only 0.2% of victims are assisted each year, underscoring the vast gap in support and intervention.
These figures underscore the urgent need for comprehensive strategies and collaborative efforts to eradicate modern slavery globally.
Slavery in Australia that can’t be Ignored
While the transatlantic slave trade was abolished over two centuries ago, modern forms of slavery continue to thrive globally. This includes here in Australia. Recent investigations have unveiled alarming exploitation within the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme. This is a program intended to address labour shortages by recruiting workers from Pacific island nations and Timor-Leste. Reports indicate that workers under this scheme have faced severe exploitation. These include underpayment, inadequate living conditions, and excessive working hours. In some cases, these conditions have been likened to modern-day slavery (couriermail.com.au).
The gravity of this situation has prompted the Australian government to initiate a parliamentary inquiry into the PALM scheme. The inquiry is aiming to uncover the extent of these abuses and implement necessary reforms. This represents a critical step towards acknowledging and addressing the exploitation occurring within our own borders.
The Freedom Hub works hard to ensure Slavery is not Ignored.
At The Freedom Hub, our mission is unequivocal: to end modern slavery in Australia and assist survivors in rebuilding their lives. We are deeply committed to providing support, education, and advocacy to those affected by this crime. Through our Survivor School programs, we empower individuals with the skills and confidence needed to integrate into society and lead independent lives. Our Ethical Business Services work tirelessly to transform business practices. The result is ensuring that business supply chains are assessing the risk of slavery and assisting workers to be free from exploitation (un.org).
The Persistence of Modern Slavery is a stark Reminder that our Work is far from Over.
Each of us must remain vigilant and educate ourselves and others. We need to take tangible actions towards eradicating this injustice.
How? By supporting organisations dedicated to this cause, advocating for stronger protections for vulnerable workers, and fostering ethical business practices. We can collectively contribute to a world where freedom and dignity are universal rights.
As we honour the victims of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade today, let us also recognise our shared responsibility in combating modern slavery. If we don’t ignore this we can create a future where every individual lives free from exploitation, and where the atrocities of the past are never repeated.
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