The challenge of human trafficking and contemporary slavery

The social professions are increasingly becoming aware of the growth of a “new slavery” in which millions of people, including children, are held in debt bondage or other enslavement. Modern slavery has emerged over the past three decades, facilitated by the globalization of industry and the development of sex tourism. This paper summarizes contemporary global slavery and trafficking, identifies risk factors, and presents what can be done to prevent and eradicate it.