Addressing Modern Slavery

An estimated 40 million people are modern-day slaves, more than ever before in human history.

Long after slavery was officially abolished, the practice not only continues but thrives. Whether they are women in electronics or apparel sweatshops, children in brick kilns or on cocoa farms, or men trapped in bonded labour working on construction sites, millions of people globally are forced to perform labour through coercion, intimidation or deceit.

In a world of growing inequality and trade-offs between the haves and the have-nots, consumers, businesses, and governments are all part of the problem and the solution. While we have all become accustomed to fast fashion and cheap consumer goods, the affordability of these commodities often comes at the price of human exploitation. Addressing Modern Slavery examines slavery in the modern world and outlines ways it can be stopped.

‘...this is a measured and rigorous analysis of what needs to be done to free the 40 million people enslaved around the world.’ - The Saturday Age

Addressing Modern Slavery is essential reading for anyone committed to understanding and tackling the scourge of modern slavery in contemporary businesses and supply chains.’ - Fiona McGaughey, University of Western Australia

‘Justine Nolan and Martijn Boersma have expertly confronted the tragic reality of modern slavery and show us how exploited men, women and children are harmed in global supply chains. A slave may be far away or in our immediate neighbourhood. The book is based on years of careful research and outlines steps we can all take to respond to modern slavery.’ - Jennifer Burn, Professor, NSW Interim Anti-Slavery Commissioner

‘This is a hugely impressive book which builds a compelling argument as to why all organisations must work towards the elimination of modern slavery.’ - David Cooke, Managing Director, Konica Minolta

‘The book should be a valuable resource for policymakers, business executives and civil society organisations alike, for it not only assesses the efficacy of existing regulatory initiatives and business practices but also outlines what needs to change to eliminate modern slavery.' - Surya Deva, City University of Hong Kong

‘This book exposes both the need and the opportunities to drive reform on modern slavery, particularly on forced labour. From case studies around business practices to examples grounded in the lived experiences of workers, Addressing Modern Slavery presents a comprehensive overview of the issue and empowers us all with the information we need to act.’ - Amol Mehra, Managing Director, Freedom Fund

Addressing Modern Slavery shines a light on the terrible human cost of our insatiable consumption. Pervasive labour exploitation is all too often forgotten in our emphasis on growth and GDP. This book is both a wake-up call and a powerful demonstration of how connectivity and collaboration can help us eradicate a systemic and urgent challenge.’ - Kumi Naidoo, Secretary General, Amnesty International

‘Based on years of research, reflected in the copious end notes, this study is an impressive confrontation of a dark aspect of society.’ - Ted Fox, Otago Daily Times