The International Labour Organisation (ILO) has adopted a new legally binding protocol designed to strengthen global efforts to eliminate forced labour, reports UNB.
The protocol, supported by a recommendation, was adopted by governments, employers and workers delegates to the International Labour Conference (ILC) with 437 for votes 27 abstentions and 8 against, according to an ILO press release in Dhaka Wednesday.
The new protocol brings the existing ILO Convention 29 on Forced Labour, adopted in 1930, into the modern era to address practices such as human trafficking. The accompanying recommendation provides technical guidance on its implementation.
"The protocol and recommendation mark a major step forward in the fight against forced labour and represent a firm commitment among governments, employers and worker organisations to eliminate contemporary forms of slavery," Guy Ryder, ILO Director-General, said.
"Forced labour violates the human rights and dignity of millions of women and men, girls and boys. It contributes to the perpetuation of poverty and stands in the way of the achievement of decent work for all," he added.
There are currently an estimated 21 million forced labour victims worldwide. A recent ILO report estimates that $150 billion in illegal profits are made in the private economy each year through modern forms of slavery.
ILO adopts new protocol to tackle modern forms of forced labour
FE Team | Published: June 12, 2014 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2026 06:01:00
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