Forced labour, modern slavery and trafficking in persons

Forced labour is a severe violation of human rights affecting 28 million of men, women and children in all countries and all economic sectors. It is rooted in poverty, discrimination and lack of social protection, and it disrupts fair competition between businesses. The issue has been at the heart of the ILO mandate to promote Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work, leaving no one behind.

Highlights

What is forced labour?

What is forced labour?

Data and research

Data and research

Our impact, their voices

Our impact, their voices

Forced Labour Observatory

Forced Labour Observatory

Facts and figures

28 million

men, women and children are in forced labour

2022 Global estimates

63%

of forced labour happens in the private economy

ILO Global Business Network on Forced Labour

236 billion US$

generated in illegal profits every year

Profits & Poverty (2024)

60

countries ratified the ILO Forced Labour Protocol

Forced Labour Observatory

More data and research on forced labour

International Labour Standards on Forced Labour

The Forced Labour Convention (No. 29), adopted in 1930, contains the definition of forced labour and provides that it should be punished as a crime. This is one of the most ratified ILO standards.

The Abolition of Forced Labour Convention (No. 105), adopted in 1957, deals with state-imposed forms of forced labour. This is one of the most ratified ILO standards.

The Protocol to the Forced Labour Convention, (P029), adopted in 2014, requires ratifying countries to take effective measures to prevent forced labour, protect victims and ensure their access to justice.

The Protocol complements the Convention No. 29, therefore only countries that have ratified this Convention can ratify the Protocol.

The Forced Labour Recommendation (No. 203), adopted in 2014, provides further guidance on how to implement the Protocol.

It is a non-binding document that does not require ratification.