India, home to over a billion people, is facing a severe human rights crisis with over 1.1 crore individuals trapped in forced slavery, making it the country with the highest number of modern slavery victims in the world.
This issue extends beyond just the numbers—behind each statistic is a human life affected by exploitation, coercion, and lack of freedom.
India’s problem with modern slavery reflects global trends, but the scale of the issue in this country is unique. The Walk Free Foundation’s report for 2021 revealed that a staggering 50 million individuals globally are affected by modern slavery.
Of these, 27.6 million are subjected to forced labor, and 22 million are trapped in forced marriages. The country alone accounts for 11 million victims of modern slavery, making it a critical area of focus in the international fight against this horrific crime.
Forced Labor in India: A Disturbing Reality
The country has become synonymous with forced labor, which accounts for a significant portion of modern slavery cases in the country. Industries such as agriculture, manufacturing, construction, and domestic work are rife with exploitative labor practices.
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Many of the victims are from marginalized communities and impoverished backgrounds, who find themselves trapped in debt bondage or forced to work in appalling conditions.
The plight of migrant workers in The country is particularly concerning. Migrant laborers are three times more likely to experience forced labor than non-migrant workers.
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This stark difference can be attributed to the lack of legal protection, limited access to resources, and the manipulation and deception many migrants face. India’s vast informal economy only compounds the problem, allowing exploitation to persist unchecked.
While India has made strides in industrial growth, the rapid urbanization and economic development have left behind millions of vulnerable people. The disparity between urban wealth and rural poverty has led to an increase in forced labor, as many families have no choice but to accept exploitative work to survive.
The Impact on Women and Children in India
The modern slavery crisis in country disproportionately affects women and children. Of the 11 million victims of contemporary slavery in India, 54% are women and girls.
Many of them are forced into domestic servitude, sweatshops, or worse, the commercial sex trade. The intersection of gender inequality, poverty, and social norms creates an environment where women are more susceptible to exploitation.
Children in country are not spared from the scourge of modern slavery. Over 12 million children are victims of forced labor, often working in hazardous industries such as mining, brick kilns, and textile factories.
Child labor robs them of their education, future, and basic human rights. The issue of child marriage further aggravates the situation, as many young girls are forced into marriages that lead to a lifetime of servitude and abuse.
India’s cultural and societal pressures also contribute to the high rate of forced marriages. While forced marriages are not always perceived as slavery, the lack of autonomy and the coercive nature of these unions undeniably fits the definition.
Women in such marriages often face physical and emotional abuse, limited freedom, and are forced to comply with their husband’s or in-laws’ demands, leaving them with little to no control over their lives.
India and Global Modern Slavery Trends
India is not alone in its battle against modern slavery. The issue affects nearly every country in the world, with more than half of forced labor cases and 25% of forced marriages occurring in high- or upper-middle-income nations.
The situation is particularly dire in countries with political instability, violence, and authoritarian regimes. The Global Slavery Index highlights that countries like North Korea, Eritrea, and Mauritania have the highest rates of contemporary slavery, but the sheer scale of slavery in India makes it a unique challenge.
A significant factor contributing to the rise of modern slavery in country is the global demand for cheap labor. Multinational corporations and supply chains often rely on low-cost labor from countries like India to maximize profits.
This creates a system where the exploitation of workers becomes normalized, and accountability for forced labor is limited. The problem is further compounded by the erosion of democracy, environmental degradation, and the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, all of which have exacerbated vulnerabilities and increased the risk of exploitation.
India, along with countries like China, Pakistan, and Russia, plays a significant role in the global forced labor network. These populous nations are often linked to the production of goods and services consumed by the rest of the world.
As a G20 member, India is under increasing pressure to address forced labor within its borders and take stronger action against the corporations and industries that perpetuate exploitation.
Addressing Modern Slavery in India
The Indian government has taken steps to combat forced slavery, but progress has been slow and uneven. While India has laws in place to address forced labor and human trafficking, the enforcement of these laws is often lacking. Corruption, bureaucratic inefficiency, and a lack of resources hinder efforts to rescue and rehabilitate victims.
One of the major challenges in addressing modern slavery in India is the deep-rooted caste system. Many victims of forced labor and slavery come from lower-caste or tribal communities, who face systemic discrimination and exclusion.
Without addressing these social inequalities, any attempt to combat modern slavery will be limited in its effectiveness.
Civil society organizations and NGOs have played a crucial role in rescuing and supporting victims of modern slavery in India. Groups like the International Justice Mission (IJM) and local NGOs work tirelessly to raise awareness, provide legal support, and help reintegrate survivors into society.
However, their efforts alone cannot solve the problem; a coordinated approach involving the government, private sector, and international community is necessary.
One potential solution is stronger corporate accountability. India must enforce regulations that hold companies responsible for forced labor in their supply chains. Global brands and multinational corporations should also be encouraged to adopt ethical sourcing practices and ensure that the products they sell are free from exploitation.
Public awareness campaigns are another essential tool in the fight against modern slavery. Many people in India remain unaware of the scale of the issue or the fact that it is happening within their own communities.
By educating the public and empowering local communities, India can build a grassroots movement against modern slavery.
India’s staggering figure of 1.1 crore people trapped in forced slavery is a grim reminder of the work that still needs to be done to eradicate modern slavery. The sheer scale of the problem, combined with its complex socio-economic and cultural roots, makes it one of the most challenging human rights issues facing the country today.
The international community has a role to play in helping India combat modern slavery, but lasting change must come from within.
India’s government, private sector, and civil society must come together to create a more just and equitable society, where every person is free from exploitation and able to live with dignity.
India is at a crossroads in its fight against modern slavery. The country’s economic growth and global influence make it a key player in shaping the future of human rights. By addressing forced labor, child exploitation, and forced marriages, India can set an example for the world and lead the way in the global fight to end modern slavery.
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