Commemorating International Day of the Abolition of Slavery

An article written by July Davis, Disruptor-In-Chief of Curiosity UnLtd

Hi, my name is Julz. As Disruptor-In-Chief, I proudly run Curiosity UnLtd. This award-winning think-and-do-tank inspires adventures in racial and social justice. 

Did you know that today is the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery? It was launched in 1986 by the United Nations to raise and reinforce global efforts to eradicate all forms of modern slavery. However, it wasn’t until 1995 that this day was first observed. Today, the focus is on people trafficking, sexual exploitation, child labour, forced marriage, debt bondage, and the forced recruitment of children into armed conflict. 

For the avoidance of doubt, this day is not the same as the International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition. An issue that is very close to my heart, this explicitly recognises the abhorrent atrocities of 15+ million Africans kidnapped and sold into chattel enslavement. Interestingly, as an ironic twist of fate, Thersa May introduced The Modern Slavery Act 2015, which became law on March 26th, 2015, the day after the International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition was marked on March 25th. 

Well, Bristol-based charity UnSeen states that over 50 million people (almost the size of the UK population) are in Modern Slavery. Of this, 71% are female, 29% are male, and 1 in 4 are children. Digging a little deeper, 28 million are in forced labour, and 22 million people are in forced marriages. And right here in the UK, the experts on the ground believe that 122,000 are victims of Modern Slavery. As food for thought, this represents a town similar in size to Exeter, High Wycombe or Tyne & Wear. 

Of course, the big white elephant in the room is how Modern-Day Slavery shows up in our everyday world and how complicit we are individually and collectively?

This question matters in our consumer-driven world that’s hell-bent on economic growth because according to some figures its valued at over $200 billion. To answer this question, let me take just one of many examples. 

Uncomfortably, the truth is that anyone reading this on a laptop or mobile phone is guilty as charged (me included). Here’s why…

Did you know the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) supplies more than half the world’s cobalt? This rare and precious ore mineral helps to power our mobile phones and is in high demand. According to the highly respected Amnesty International, to help feed our insatiable appetite for the slickest and smartest of phones, an estimated one-fifth of this scarce mineral is extracted by around 40,000 children’s miners. Working up to 12 hours a day and hauling back-breaking loads of between 20 and 40kg, these children earn poultry US$1-2 per day. 

Amnesty International go further; they strongly allege that many household-brands obscure whether their cobalt supply chains are tainted by child labour. Therefore, there’s a very high chance that the indispensable mobile phone in your hand is a product of child labour. 

This insidious problem of Modern Slavery is much bigger and broader than the Mobile phone sector. Factors driving it include poverty, climate change, political instability, armed conflict, and weak legal frameworks. So, whilst many household brands (including mobile phone operators) may state they comply with laws such as the UK’s Modern Day Slavery Act 2015, a House of Lords report in October 2024 expressed concern that supply chain transparency was insufficient, and that enforcement is weak.

Disproportionately, Modern Slavery impacts migrants and refugees and can be seen in sectors ranging from domestic work, hospitality, and construction to agriculture, the sex trade and more. Economically, the private economy benefits from over $200 billion in illegal profits. And to its utter shame the world’s 20 wealthiest economies account for about half of the people worldwide living in Modern slavery. So, not only is it big business its everybody’s business. 

What can I do? Well, as one wise woman (My Nan) once told me, “If we all make a small change, we can all make a significant change together.” So, on this day, I suggest 6 small things each reader can do. I hope you find it helpful and do please pass it on… 

1. Lobby your MP: A 2024 Select Committee report made it clear that the UK’s Modern Slavery Act 2015 is woefully unfit for purpose. To be effective, this law needs to be seriously toughened up so write to your MP and demand that they table or support a motion to strengthen it and close the many gaping loopholes. You can find your MP here.
2. Equip yourself with knowledge: The more we know about modern slavery in all its forms, the more we can do to end it. Start your journey here by taking this short quiz.
3. Learn to spot the signs: Be vigilant and spot the signs of people being forced into labour. You can take action here or, and if you see it, call the Modern Slavery Helpline on 08000 121 700.
4. Join the movement to end modern slavery: Be an active ally in helping people to live their lives in freedom, away from slavery. Support a local charity like UnSeen. You can donate or volunteer here.
5. Flex your consumer muscles: Put your money where it matters. You have more power than you think. Find out what your favourite brands are doing to ensure their goods and services are slavery-free by checking if they have a modern slavery statement on their website. If not, email or call them. Also, actively support local businesses such as Sparks, a department store with a difference inspired by the UN Sustainable Development Goals. 
6. Spread the word: Knowledge is power. So, share everything you know about modern slavery with friends, families and colleagues. Encourage them to act themselves and become anti-slavery champions. 

With the festive season about to kick into full swing, do bear in mind where you buy your goods and services. Again, as my Nan says, together, we can make a big difference. Happy holidays!

To find out more about Curiosity UnLtd’s creative adventures, which includes leading the citywide commemoration of the Bristol Bus Boycott, transforming the MSheds space on Transatlantic Trafficking in Enslaved Africans, and more, go to www.CuriosityUnLtd.com. If you like what you see, join our powerful movement of community, civic, and corporate changemakers.