From Protocol to Practice: A Bridge to Global Action on Forced Labor, Phase II (Bridge II)

The ILO estimates that about 28 million people are in forced labor– trafficked, held in debt bondage, or working under slave-like conditions. Most of these forced laborers – 86 percent – are exploited in the private economy by individuals or enterprises. The remaining are in state-imposed forms of forced labor, including forced labor imposed by paramilitary forces. Overall, forced labor increased by 2.7 million people between 2016 and 2021.  The global COVID pandemic has exacerbated the root causes and risks of forced labor. 

Globally, awareness of forced labor has grown considerably since June 2014. That year governments, employers, and workers at the ILO's International Labor Conference overwhelmingly supported the adoption of the ILO Protocol to the 1930 Forced Labor Convention and a Recommendation on Supplementary Measures for addressing forced labor. Since then, 59 countries have ratified the Protocol. 

To be meaningful, ratification must be accompanied by effective implementation measures. In many countries, this requires building local capacity, bringing laws into conformity with international standards, and piloting effective interventions Thus, there is a high demand and need among member states and their labor and employer constituencies for practical guidance and technical support.