Welcome to the Freedom Fund’s monthly bulletin designed to bring you new and compelling research from the global anti-slavery movement.
Factors driving the exploitation of global food workers
The International Panel of Experts on Sustainable Food Systems uncovers factors enabling the exploitation of workers in the off-farm food sector, which employs nearly 1.4 billion people. Through a review of literature and data, as well as consultations and interviews, the report identifies six factors: informality in food work; reliance on institutionalised exploitation of migrant workers; agrifood corporations countering union organising; digital deployment and independent contracting; climate change; and legal exemptions from agricultural safety and decent work standards. The report identifies core priorities for improvement, including building worker power through unionisation and collective bargaining; labour inspections; equal rights for migrant workers; oversight of emerging technologies and supply chains; and recognition of lived experiences.
Lived experiences of Bangladeshi survivors of forced cyber-scam compounds in Cambodia
Justice & Care examines the trafficking and exploitation of Bangladeshi nationals in Cambodian cyber-scam compounds to understand recruitment pathways, exploitation and post-return harm. Drawing on 20 qualitative survivor interviews, the study identifies five victim typologies, ranging from forced cyber-scam criminality to labour exploitation and broker abandonment. Findings reveal deceptive recruitment, substantial upfront payments, coercive working conditions, financial losses and psychological harm. Survivors face persistent debt and barriers to justice after returning home. The report highlights priorities for stronger recruitment oversight, safer migration pathways, action against trafficking networks and sustained reintegration support.
Education outcome of hazardous child labour in Uganda’s smallholder coffee industry
Researchers from Makerere University and the University of Bonn examine hazardous child labour and its educational implications in Uganda’s smallholder coffee farming industry. Analysing survey data from 491 households, the study finds that 22.5% of working children engage in hazardous activities. Older children (15–17 years) face higher risks, while girls are more exposed to poor working conditions and time-related hazards, including long working hours. Environmental and chemical hazards, alongside poor working conditions and time-related risks, are associated with wider education gaps, with children falling behind expected schooling levels. The study recommends educational support, parental awareness and targeted protection.
Evidence on economic empowerment and child marriage prevention in Tanzania
Moshi Co-Operative University and Plan International Tanzania examine the relationship between economic empowerment and child marriage prevention through the Girls Get Equal project (2020–2024), which provides vocational training, entrepreneurship support and access to finance. The study finds that imparting skills in technical and business fields leads to robust job creation outcomes, including both employment and self-employment. Village savings and loan groups and other community financial mechanisms enabled enterprise development and household resilience. Parents choosing not to arrange marriages for their daughters increased by over 500%. The study recommends combining vocational training with financial support, mentorship and market linkages.
Digital access and modern slavery
Researchers from the Brunel University of London describe the interrelationship between digital access and modern slavery. Using panel data from 31 OECD countries over a ten-year period, the study draws on information poverty theory to demonstrate that greater digital access is associated with lower vulnerability to modern slavery. This effect is significantly shaped by the quality of national governance and transparency. The findings provide insights for policymakers and business leaders, emphasising the importance of digital inclusion and transparent governance in reducing modern slavery and strengthening human rights protections.
Read on
Adelaide University researchers propose integrating corporate governance with worker-centred approaches to address modern slavery risks.
The ILO examines child labour in Myanmar, including hazardous work, exploitation, conflict-related risks and educational barriers.
UNODC assesses trafficking for forced criminality in scam operations and criminal justice responses across South Asia.
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Research library
Visit our Slavery Research Library to access anti-slavery resources from across the globe.
Contact
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The Slavery Research Bulletin is produced monthly by the Freedom Fund, a global fund with the sole aim of helping end modern slavery.
Research being featured in this bulletin does not equal endorsement by the Freedom Fund.
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Photo credit: Filmatory Nepal/The Freedom Fund
