The research Modern slavery risks among people lacking official documentation: A global evidence review, conducted by the United Nations University Centre for Policy Research with support of the Freedom Fund, explores the links between modern slavery and access to official documentation, focusing on Brazil, Kenya, and Nepal. The research aims to enhance understanding of the vulnerabilities faced by undocumented individuals, particularly their risk of human trafficking. By consolidating global evidence, the study seeks to provide actionable insights for policymakers, civil society organizations, and donors, taking into account the experiences of modern slavery survivors.
Key findings highlight that an estimated 850 million people globally lack official documentation, putting vulnerable groups, including women, youth, and migrants, at greater risk. Significant disparities exist in documentation access among the focus countries, with rates of birth registration differing markedly. Undocumented individuals often experience heightened risks of exploitation, particularly in low-wage sectors. Recommendations emphasise the importance of increasing birth registration and improving access to documentation as both preventive and protective mechanisms against modern slavery. The report also calls for targeted policies to address the documentation challenges faced by marginalised populations, advocating for more empirical research to understand the complex relationship between modern slavery and documentation.
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