http://www.antislavery.org/english/slavery_today/what_is_modern_slavery.aspx

WHAT IS MODERN SLAVERY?

When we think about slavery what comes to mind is the Trans-Atlantic Slavery Trade, captured Africans, transported to the West Indies and America to work mainly in the sugar plantations. Although that slavery was abolished in 19th century, slavery still exists today. Although its modern forms are different, when we talk about slavery we do not use a metaphor. 

According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO) 20.9 million men, women and children around the world are in slavery. In the 21st century people are still sold like objects, forced to work for little or no pay and at the complete mercy of their 'employers'.
There are many different characteristics that distinguish slavery from other human rights violations, however only one needs to be present for slavery to exist. Someone is in slavery if they are: 

• forced to work - through mental or physical threat;
• owned or controlled by an 'employer', usually through mental or physical abuse or the threat of abuse;
• dehumanised, treated as a commodity or bought and sold as 'property';
• physically constrained or has restrictions placed on his/her freedom of movement.

Contemporary slavery takes various forms and affects people of all ages, gender and races.

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