Welcome to the Freedom Fund’s monthly bulletin designed to bring you new and compelling research from the global anti-slavery movement.
The cost and economic returns of ending forced labour
The International Labour Organization (ILO) analyses the cost and economic benefits to society of ending forced labour. Based on consultations with stakeholders in 18 countries plus global experts, the ILO estimated that USD 212 billion (0.14% of global GDP) is needed between 2023 and 2025 to support individuals at-risk or survivors of forced labour, as well as fund related education, training, health and legal services. On the other hand, the economic returns to ending forced labour are projected to generate USD 611 billion (0.41% of global GDP) in global economic growth. This would stem from the increased demand for taxable goods and services by freed workers, higher remittances, alongside cost savings for services.
2024 list of goods produced by child or forced labour
The US Department of Labor releases an updated List of Goods Produced by Child Labor or Forced Labor. Drawing on public submissions plus primary and secondary sources, the 2024 list added 204 goods from 82 countries, an increase from 159 goods in 78 countries in 2022. The 2024 update added 37 new goods, including chocolate, jujubes, lead, polyvinyl chloride, sugarcane and squid. Nine countries in Asia are responsible for 33 additions to the list, including aluminium and polysilicon in China, nickel in Indonesia, coconut in the Philippines and indium from South Korea. The Netherlands was also added for its cocoa products which use inputs that are likely tainted by child labour.
Supermarkets profiting from unpaid shrimp workers in Indonesia
The Institute for Policy Research and Advocacy, together with the Akatiga Center of Social Analysis and the Migunani Research Institute, investigates the labour conditions in Indonesia’s export-oriented shrimp supply chain. Drawing from a desk review and 221 interviews, the study found shrimp farms to be the most vulnerable part of the supply chain. Facing a slim 10% profit margin and declining market prices, many farms depend on informal workers to keep labour costs low. The study also reveals that four major exporters to the US source from farms reliant on informal workers, profiting at the expense of harsh working conditions faced by these production workers.
Girls’ and women’s views on early marriage in Bangladesh
Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University in Bangladesh leads a study investigating women’s perspectives on early marriage, using data from the most recent 2017/18 Bangladesh Demography and Health Survey involving interviews with 20,127 females (28% aged 15-24). Roughly two-thirds (62%) of the respondents had married before 18 years of age, and among them, 55% believed that their marriage occurred at the right time. The study uncovers common perceptions underpinning child marriage, including as a means to escape poverty, limited job prospects and physical and sexual violence, as well as parental concerns about their daughters developing relationships deemed to be inappropriate.
Low-cost business loans and labour conditions in the Indian construction sector
A study led by Ashoka University explores whether low-cost loans to micro-contractors (MCs) can reduce forced labour in the Indian construction sector. Of the 260 MCs recruited into the study, 180 were randomly assigned to the treatment group and 70 to the control group. Only 13% of those in the treatment group took up the low-interest loan, averaging INR 105,000 (~USD 1,255) per borrower. Endline measurements found no effect of the low-cost loan on labour outcomes. In fact, workers under MCs in the treatment group were slightly worse off in terms of delayed pay and longer hours. However, the study observed a heterogeneous treatment effect, with workers managed by higher-educated MCs reporting better conditions.
Read on
The Child Labour: Action-Research-Innovation in South and South-Eastern Asia (CLARISSA) program emphasises the importance of taking a ‘neigbourhood’ lens to address child labour, harnessing shared assets and localised actions in the community.
The University of Sydney, Australia, reviews contemporary literature about disruptive policing tactics and highlights the need for a whole-of-government approach to end child sexual exploitation.
A study led by Wachemo University reports on the characteristics of female domestic workers in Hossana City, Ethiopia, who are primarily young, single, illiterate migrants from rural areas, motivated by the goal of saving money to migrate abroad.
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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
