“ILO Report Reveals $236 Billion in Annual Illegal Profits from Forced Labour”

A recent International Labour Organization (ILO) report exposes that forced labour within the private sector generates a staggering $236 billion in illegal profits annually.

This alarming figure marks a significant $64 billion increase since 2014, attributed to a rise in individuals subjected to forced labour and heightened exploitation leading to higher profits.

The report unveils that traffickers and criminals now garner nearly $10,000 per victim, a stark surge from a decade ago. Geographically, Europe and Central Asia top the list with $84 billion, trailed by Asia and the Pacific with $62 billion, the Americas with $52 billion, Africa with $20 billion, and the Arab States with $18 billion in illegal profits.

Forced commercial sexual exploitation remains the primary contributor, comprising 73 percent of total illegal profits, despite accounting for only 27 percent of victims. Industries like manufacturing ($35 billion), services ($20.8 billion), agriculture ($5.0 billion), and domestic work ($2.6 billion) follow suit.

ILO Director-General, Gilbert F. Houngbo, emphasizes the urgent need for global action to end this injustice, emphasizing the necessity for comprehensive approaches addressing root causes and protecting victims.

The report underscores the importance of bolstering legal frameworks, enhancing enforcement measures, and strengthening coordination between labor and criminal law enforcement to combat forced labor effectively.