Modern Slavery

What is modern slavery?

Some people may think that "slavery" is a thing of the past, but it is said that there are currently approximately 5,000 million people around the world working in conditions known as modern slavery.
First, let me explain in detail what kind of conditions modern slavery refers to.

Definition of modern slavery

Modern slavery refers to people who are forced into forced labor or forced marriage. Both of these are "conditions of exploitation which a person cannot refuse or leave, through the use of threats, violence, coercion, deception or the abuse of power."*1

*1 Quote "Modern slavery" affects 5 million people worldwide, ILO, 2022/09/12

Forced labor occurs in the production and processing of food, clothing, minerals, etc. Examples include cacao production sites, which are the raw material for chocolate, mines for gold, diamonds, and rare metals, and deep-sea fishing sites in the fishing industry.
In all cases, they are forced to work in harsh conditions, performing dangerous tasks for long hours in harsh working environments, being threatened with violence and unable to escape, and sometimes being subjected to physical violence.

Forced marriage literally means being married against one's will, often to women and children under the age of 18, with consequences including loss of education, violence and abuse and exposure to violence.

The annual illegal profits from modern slavery are estimated to be US$2,360 billion (approximately JPY 35 trillion) per year (2024), a 2014% increase from the previous survey (37) and is continuing to worsen*2.

*2 Illegal profits from forced labor amount to $2360 billion per year, ILO, March 2024, 03

Latest Modern Slavery Figures

According to research by the ILO, the international human rights organization Walk Free, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), it is estimated that there are approximately 5000 million people around the world working in modern slavery conditions*3.

Of these, 2,800 million people were in forced labor and 2,200 million were in forced marriage. This is an increase of more than 2016 million from the previous survey (1,000). The reason for this is thought to be the worsening economy and the increase in people falling into poverty due to the spread of the new coronavirus*3.

This number is said to be greater than the number of slaves brought to the Americas during the slave trade in the 15th to 17th centuries, and is a serious modern-day problem.

86% of forced labor is said to occur in the private sector, while 14% is caused by states. Women and children are particularly vulnerable to being subjected to modern slavery, with approximately 26,000 women and 12,000 children estimated to be in modern slavery*3.

Approximately 22,000 people are in forced marriage, most of whom are children under the age of 15. This is an increase of 2016 million people since the previous survey (660)*3 (p. 5).

*3 Global Estimates of Modern Slavery: Forced Labor and Forced Marriage(2022)

Why does modern slavery occur?

What are the factors that cause modern slavery? Here we explain those factors.

Poverty, lack of education, economic disparity

The causes of modern slavery include socio-economic factors such as poverty, lack of education and economic inequality. These factors increase the risk of people becoming trapped in fraudulent employment contracts and forced labour as they seek a better life.

Historical background and cultural factors

Historical and cultural factors also play a role in modern slavery. In some regions, traditional practices and historical occupational structures reinforce the tendency to tolerate labour exploitation. For example, two-thirds (3%) of forced marriages occur in the Asia-Pacific region, where patriarchal systems and practices remain deeply rooted.*2

*4 "Modern slavery" affects 5 million people worldwide, ILO, September 2022, 09

Migrant vulnerability

Another point to note is the vulnerability of migrants. Many migrants are often not well educated and suffer from poverty and unemployment, making them three times more likely to be in modern slavery than non-migrant adult workers. *3 It has been pointed out that many migrants are forced to work in modern slavery conditions in the fishing industry as well.

*5 "Modern slavery" affects 5 million people worldwide, ILO, September 2022, 09

What types of modern slavery are occurring in the fishing industry?

There are many cases where crew members are forced to work under harsh working conditions in the fishing industry. Particularly in East Asia, there have been reported cases where workers employed at low wages were forced to work in poor conditions, and sometimes even suffered violence, leading to death. In addition, in the case of deep-sea fishing, workers are surrounded by the sea and have no place to escape, and they cannot return to port for months, so they have no choice but to work in fear.

Japan is not immune to these issues. For example, Japan consumes 8% of the world's bluefin tuna catch, and it has been pointed out that there are workers in the production sites who are forced to work under modern slavery conditions (see the recommended articles and film introductions below).

According to a survey, the number of modern slaves in the fishing industry is estimated at 128,000.*6 However, because it is difficult to confirm the situation of modern slavery at sea, it is said that the actual number is likely to be much higher.

*6 Global Estimates of Modern Slavery: Forced Labor and Forced Marriage(2022), p33

How are countries and companies trying to solve the issue of modern slavery in the fishing industry?

Progress in establishing human rights due diligence laws in various countries (Country-specific initiatives)

In response to this situation, the United Nations issued the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights in 2011, and since then, legislation requiring companies to disclose information about forced labor has been rapidly developed, particularly in Europe.

In Japan, "Guidelines for Respecting Human Rights in Responsible Supply Chains" was formulated.

Movements toward enacting human rights and environmental due diligence legislation have also begun in Asian countries such as South Korea and Thailand, and are expected to continue to expand globally.

Preparation of corporate procurement policies

In order to eliminate modern slavery in their supply chains, companies must also develop human rights policies and procurement policies, identify adverse human rights impacts in their business, prevent and mitigate them, and explain how they will be addressed.Human Rights Due DiligenceMore and more companies are working on this.

As mentioned above, 86% of forced labor occurs in the private sector, so companies have a major role to play in solving the problem.

Modern slavery risks in corporate activities

Modern slavery poses various risks to companies. Here we will introduce what these risks are.

Reputation risk, investment loss risk, etc.

It is difficult for companies to eliminate modern slavery from complex and long supply chains, but if it is discovered, it not only poses reputational risk, but also risks such as transactions and investments being halted.

Therefore, companies should not simply check for the presence or absence of modern slavery, but should identify adverse human rights impacts in their business activities, prevent and mitigate them, and explain how to address them.Human Rights Due DiligenceIt is important to take a long-term approach to this issue.