International Day for the Abolition of Slavery

The International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, observed on 2 December, draws global attention to modern slavery forced labour, trafficking, child exploitation, and forced marriage. Marking the 1949 UN Convention against human trafficking, the day underscores that exploitation persists in new forms. ILO estimates for 2021 reveal 50 million people trapped in modern slavery, including 27.6 million in forced labour. Women, children, and migrant workers remain most vulnerable, as private-sector exploitation and criminal networks continue to drive this growing global crisis.