World Has 35.8 million Slaves, Report Finds

[Van Basten]

(CNN) -- The second annual edition of the Walk Free Foundation's Global Slavery Index has found that globally, almost 36 million people are subject to modern slavery.

While incidences of slavery were found in every one of the 167 countries surveyed, five countries -- India, China, Pakistan, Uzbekistan and Russia -- accounted for nearly 22 million people (61%) suffering in bondage. The worst offender, India, accounted for an estimated 14.29 million people.

Human slavery, the report states, is defined as "human trafficking, forced labor, debt bondage, forced or servile marriage, or commercial sexual exploitation."

Surge in cases

The report found an increase of 20% on the foundation's findings a year ago, although it attributed the rise to more sophisticated data collection and analysis.

Former slaves find simple sanctuary in Pakistan 'Haitian Idol' aims to stop child slavery. "There is an assumption that slavery is an issue from a bygone era. Or that it only exists in countries ravaged by war and poverty," Andrew Forrest, Chairman and Founder of the Walk Free Foundation, said in a statement.

"The first step in eradicating slavery is to measure it. And with that critical information, we must all come together -- governments, businesses and civil society -- to finally bring an end to the most severe form of exploitation."

<Read the rest via the link below>

Highlights:

• The Global Slavery Index 2014 report finds that globally, almost 36 million people are subject to modern slavery.
• India is home to the largest number of enslaved, with over 14 million people living in bondage.
• Mauritania has the highest percentage, with 4% of the population enslaved.
• Iceland and Luxembourg have the lowest number, both in prevalence and in absolute numbers.

[SOURCE]

 

[WCH]

Does that include wage-slaves? ;0

 

[joG]

[SOURCE]

Thanks. That is interesting. I will look at the study in more detail tomorrow. But the quick look was fascinating.
I wish I knew what exactly modern slavery is.