Modern slavery
Modern slavery is a non-legal umbrella expression commonly used for situations of severe exploitation that a person cannot refuse or leave because of threats, coercion, deception, abuse of power, or similar constraints. Its usage may encompass forced labour, forced marriage, trafficking-related exploitation, slavery, and slavery-like practices, depending on context.
In simple terms
Modern slavery does not have one definition in international law. It is commonly used to group severe forms of exploitation, while forced labour, trafficking in persons, slavery, and related practices have distinct legal definitions and may overlap. That distinction matters when investigating facts, protecting people, reporting, or applying law. Child labour is also a separate concept; some worst forms involve slavery or forced labour, but not every case of child labour is described accurately by the umbrella expression. Readers should state the specific conduct and legal framework whenever possible.
Why it matters
Vague language can hide the mechanisms that keep people in exploitation and lead to the wrong response. Effective action may require prevention, safe reporting, worker organization, law enforcement, survivor-centered remedy, and changes to commercial practices. Human rights due diligence and sustainable procurement can help organizations identify and address connected risks. A living wage and decent work reduce some vulnerabilities but do not by themselves prove the absence of coercion.
Example
Recruiters charge migrant workers large fees, retain identity documents, misrepresent jobs, and threaten deportation if workers leave. An investigation records the specific indicators and applicable offences rather than relying only on the umbrella label. The company repays fees, returns documents, protects complainants, reforms recruitment, and checks whether remedy is effective.
How it differs
Child labour
Modern slavery is a non-legal umbrella for severe exploitation involving constraints on refusal or exit; child labour is defined by age, work, conditions, schooling, and national standards, and only some worst forms overlap.