The constitutionality of modern slavery lies in an exception in the 13th Amendment, which states: « Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, except as punishment for a crime for which the Party has been duly convicted, shall exist in the United States or any other place under its jurisdiction. » This means that while Americans have the constitutional right not to be enslaved, that right will be clearly taken away from them if they are ever imprisoned. Debt bondage can also be passed on to descendants, such as slavery. But while landmark laws that once allowed slavery have been abolished around the world, researchers in the database found that many of the 193 UN member states have not explicitly criminalized slavery and other forms of exploitation. The UK government has taken specific measures to ensure that the risks of modern slavery are identified and managed in government supply chains. [111] [112] The government has also launched a national campaign against modern slavery: the « Modern slavery is closer than you think » campaign. [113] Although many countries have taken steps to prohibit and criminalize slavery, much more needs to be done. Countries where slavery still exists face many problems that we all need to address. « Improving the rights of 45.8 million people is both wise and urgent for all leaders in countries and organizations, » said Andrew Forrest, founder and president of the Walk Free Foundation. « The abolition of slavery makes sense; morally, politically, logically and economically.
Victims of modern slavery are often reluctant to turn to authorities for help because they fear being criminalized, imprisoned or deported rather than being treated as victims of crime. Victims of modern slavery often live in cramped conditions where the Covid virus can spread rapidly. [127] This, combined with the fear of receiving help from authorities such as the NHS, leads victims to contract diseases and potentially die. [127] « Most people thought it was impossible to put the amendment on the ballot in Louisiana, but Louisiana and America should not be in the business of legalized slavery, » he said in an interview. About 20 state constitutions have opt-out clauses that allow slavery or involuntary servitude as punishment for crimes. Vermont prides itself on being the first in the country to ban slavery in 1777, but its constitution allows for involuntary servitude in certain circumstances, such as the payment of debts, damages, fines, or other costs. Many governments and aid agencies have taken steps to raise awareness of the signs of modern slavery. For example, the UK passed the Modern Slavery Act 2015 and at least six other G20 countries have passed anti-slavery laws in recent years. In addition, the United Nations has declared December 2 the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery.
North Korea was one of the top authors in 2016, according to GSI, with 4.37 percent of the population living in modern slavery — the highest, but not a figure, proportion in the world. In 2015, UN investigator Marzuki Darusman estimated that 50,000 North Korean citizens had been sent abroad to work in mining, logging, textiles and construction. These slaves, sent mainly to China, Russia and the Middle East, generated about $2.3 billion a year for the government. Meanwhile, the worker himself often worked up to 20 hours a day in appalling conditions, earning on average only between $120 and $150 a month. Employers have paid « significantly higher amounts » to the North Korean government, Darusman said. The New York Times reports that conditions in North Korea are so desperate that workers often pay bribes to go to Russia. « Slavery is far from illegal everywhere, and we hope our research will take the conversation beyond this popular myth, » said Katarina Schwarz, a researcher at the University of Nottingham`s Rights Lab who led the work on the slavery database. People may be forced to migrate with the promise of work, only to confiscate their papers and be forced to work under threat of violence against them or their families. [60] Undocumented immigrants can also be exploited, as they often have no legal recourse without legal residency.