A recent data, from the International Labour Organisation (ILO) shows that sex traffickers are making around £21,000 per year from each victim through profits gained from forced labor on a scale.
The ILO, part of the United Nations states that worldwide earnings from forced labor have soared to $236 billion (£185 billion) annually with a growing number of individuals being affected by slavery.
Even though sexual exploitation accounts for 27 per cent of forced labor cases it brings in a 73 per cent of the total illegal profits. The latest figures released by the ILO represent a 37 per cent increase compared to those disclosed in 2014.
The ILO highlights that these unlawful gains should rightfully belong to the workers but are instead kept by their exploiters using methods.
The surge in profits is linked to an increase in individuals facing forced labor and higher revenues generated through exploiting victims. The report identifies than 27 million people who are trapped in different forms of modern slavery.
Traffickers, criminals and unethical employers are making nearly $10,000 per victim on average according to the agency. Industries utilising labor generate $35 billion annually for exploiters while the service industry contributes, around $21 billion.
In terms of profits, from forced labor, Europe and central Asia lead the way with Asia and the Pacific coming followed by the Americas.
The Director General of the ILO Gilbert Houngbo emphasises the importance of taking action to eliminate forced labor. This harmful practice sustains poverty cycles and exploitation while also degrading dignity.
He said, “Forced labour perpetuates cycles of poverty and exploitation and strikes at the heart of human dignity. We now know that the situation has only got worse. The international community must urgently come together to take action to end this injustice, safeguard workers’ rights and uphold the principles of fairness and equality for all.”
(With inputs from agencies)
