Are there slaves in 2017

The new global estimate also deals with forced marriage, the first time it has been included in any reporting of modern slavery figures. The global estimates were calculated by drawing on a range of data over a five-year period, including interviews with more than 71, people across 48 countries. The ILO and Walk Free attribute the rise to better reporting and research methodologies and the inclusion of forced marriage as a form of modern slavery. The research was carried out as part of the drive to meet the sustainable development goal on slavery, which calls for the eradication of all forms of slavery, human trafficking and child labour.

As part of the UN anti-slavery framework, the Fund fills a niche of direct relief for victims and of building resilience for survivors and civil society. Through strategic partnerships, the Fund complements and leverages the monitoring, reporting, advocacy and advisory role of other UN mechanisms combatting contemporary forms of slavery.

Grants ranging from 15, to 30, USD are awarded yearly on a competitive basis. A call for proposals is open every year from 15 January to 31 March. The Secretariat of the Fund evaluates applications — including through on-site visits — and reviews grant implementation through the analysis of the narrative, financial and audit reports. The Board meets once a year to determine priorities, review policies and adopt recommendations on grants.

The Fund receives voluntary contributions from Governments, private or public entities and individuals. In , the UN Slavery Fund awarded 37 annual grants to assist over 17, slavery survivors in 30 countries around the world for an amount of USD , This was possible thanks to the generous voluntary contributions of 10 Member States. More press releases and statements But this was later updated to Each iteration of the Global Slavery Index and International Labor Organization figures reflected changes in their methods.

Although these changes often reflected stronger methodologies, the changing estimates invited criticism. Through new partnerships, more nonprofit organizations and countries are beginning to meet and share their data.

Walk Free, the International Labor Organization and dozens of other state and nonstate actors came together in to form Alliance 8. In , the coalition jointly estimated there were some 40 million people enslaved worldwide. This makes a critical analysis of the methodology a challenge. Alliance 8. Prior to this, researchers did not always agree on when a moment of enslavement should be counted.

For example, a researcher might interview respondents about their prior experiences of forced labor. During that interview, a respondent might say that he had been a victim of forced labor in Should that be counted at the time of the survey or not counted since it happened so long ago? Scholars are also getting more involved and applying novel estimation techniques that are cost-effective.

There are also new data resources — like the Gallup World Poll, which now includes questions about modern slavery in its surveys in some developing countries. These surveys are based on random sample surveys — some of the best data collection methods around.

A valid estimate of slavery and trafficking worldwide remains the holy grail of modern slavery studies. The public may never know the true number of persons enslaved today, because modern slavery is a hidden crime. But more precise estimates can begin to shed more light on who is enslaved and where. This article has been updated to clarify which organization manages the U.