Global Survivor Network

Slavery is illegal almost everywhere—but today millions of children, women and men are trapped as slaves around the world.

Traffickers and slave owners use deception, threats or violence to force these families to work for little or no pay. Modern-day slaves are often denied adequate food or sleep, and they’re barred from leaving for school or medical care.

In India, whole families are forced to work in brick kilns, rice mills, garment factories and other places—some up to 20 hours per day. In Ghana, children as young as 4 suffer as slaves in the brutal fishing industry. In Cambodia, impoverished people are trafficked into industries like agriculture, construction and fishing, both inside the country and across borders.