What Is Modern Slavery?
Understanding the forms of exploitation that deny millions their freedom.
Defining Modern Slavery
Modern slavery describes situations of exploitation that a person cannot refuse or leave because of threats, violence, coercion, deception, or abuse of power. It exists in every country and in every industry — visible in supply chains, hidden in homes, and woven through the goods and services we use every day.
Unlike historical chattel slavery, modern slavery is rarely legal. It survives in the shadows of inequality, migration, debt, and conflict. The first step in confronting it is naming it clearly.
Forms of Modern Slavery
Forced Labour
Work imposed under threat of penalty, where individuals have not freely consented. Common in agriculture, construction, domestic work, and manufacturing.
Human Trafficking
The recruitment, transport, or harbouring of people through coercion, deception, or abuse of vulnerability for the purpose of exploitation.
Debt Bondage
When a person is forced to work to repay a debt, often under conditions where the debt is unfair, indefinite, or impossible to repay.
Exploitation of Women & Children
Including child labour, forced marriage, and sexual exploitation. Women and children remain disproportionately affected worldwide.
Behind every number, a name.
"To bear witness is the beginning of refusing to look away."View the Art Gallery
Australia
Australia's Modern Slavery Act (2018) requires large organisations to report on the risks of modern slavery in their operations and supply chains. Yet the Walk Free Global Slavery Index estimates over 41,000 people in modern slavery here today.
Philippines
The Philippines remains a major source country for trafficking and forced labour, particularly affecting women and children. Filipino diaspora communities — including in Australia — play a critical role in advocacy, prevention, and survivor support.
What You Can Do
Learn
Educate yourself and others. Awareness is the first defence.
Share
Use your voice. Share stories, resources, and art that bring exploitation into the light.
Support
Donate to organisations supporting survivors, advocacy, and prevention.
Advocate
Engage with policy, businesses, and supply chains. Demand transparency and accountability.