Modern slavery remains a largely unseen and unaddressed crime, often hidden in plain sight. When most people think of “slavery”, they imagine it as a bygone atrocity, far from the present day. However, this perception is dangerously mistaken. Today, almost 50 million people worldwide are trapped in conditions of modern slavery, and this number continues to grow. Recently, for example, one of the largest UK criminal injuries compensations has been awarded for a modern slavery survivor, who suffered severe psychological and physical injuries over a 26-year period.
Modern slavery survivors typically come from highly vulnerable populations, such as adults with limited education or language skills and children, making them particularly prone to exploitation and manipulation. These individuals often live in a constant state of fear, unaware of their rights, and sometimes even unaware of their enslaved condition, which makes them virtually invisible to society. The ramifications of modern slavery touch all of us, influencing everything from the food on our tables to the products we buy. Therefore, it is crucial for everyone to recognise, confront, and take action against this widespread issue.
The ongoing 2024 Olympics Games provide a timely reminder of the global nature of this issue. This event, a symbol of international cooperation and human potential, also casts a spotlight on the darker side of globalisation. Major sporting events often attract human trafficking and forced labour, with vulnerable populations being exploited to meet the demands of increased economic activity. Awareness and proactive measures are essential to ensure that such events do not become breeding grounds for modern slavery.
To effectively combat modern slavery, innovative approaches are required to make legal systems more accessible and supportive for survivors.
Legal Design, an innovative discipline combining legal expertise with design thinking to improve legal communication, makes legal systems and services more comprehensible and accessible to the public. By employing Legal Design, particularly through visual elements, it is possible to create tools that guide potential and actual survivors of modern slavery in an accessible and straightforward manner on the steps they can take if they find themselves in abusive situations.
Addressing modern slavery therefore requires a multifaceted approach to protect and empower vulnerable individuals. It is a collective responsibility, and by acknowledging the problem and taking proactive steps, we can work towards a future where everyone enjoys the freedom and dignity they deserve.
Why is the current system failing modern slavery survivors
Modern slavery refers to situations where individuals are exploited and unable to leave due to threats, violence, coercion, deception, or abuse of power. This includes forced labour, human trafficking, debt bondage, child labour and domestic servitude. Modern slavery is pervasive in many industries, such as agriculture, manufacturing, construction, and domestic work, making it a significant concern for both developed and developing countries.
A significant factor contributing to modern slavery is a state of vulnerability. Individuals from impoverished backgrounds, those with limited education or language skills, and those lacking social and economic support are particularly susceptible to exploitation. Migrants and refugees, often desperate to improve their living conditions, are frequently targeted by traffickers and unscrupulous employers. Women and children are also disproportionately affected, with many forced into domestic work, prostitution, or hazardous labour. These factors create an environment where individuals can be easily manipulated, coerced, or deceived into exploitative situations.
A substantial issue in combating modern slavery is the lack of understanding among victims regarding their legal rights and the frameworks designed to protect them. Many survivors come from vulnerable backgrounds, including those with limited education or language skills, making legal jargon and complex procedures difficult to navigate. This lack of comprehension is further exacerbated by the fear and manipulation they face, which keeps them from seeking help.
This is exactly what has been discussed during a two-day workshop on ‘Modern Slavery and Legal Design’, which has been organised by Professor Philippa Webb and Lodovica Raparelli in June at King’s College London. During the workshop, the contribution of modern slavery experts and survivors shed a light on the issues that modern slavery survivors face daily. It was emphasised that overseas workers frequently do not understand their visas, contracts, and the legal framework surrounding their employment. Moreover, information should be provided to individuals before they arrive in the UK, rather than only after their arrival. Also, potential survivors must properly understand their job roles and the protections available to them upon commencing work in the UK.
Current modern slavery concerns
Mega sports competitions, such as the 2024 Summer Olympics and the FIFA World Cups, often bring vast economic and social benefits to host countries. However, they also pose significant risks related to modern slavery. The high demand for rapid infrastructure development and increased services during these events can lead to labour exploitation, including forced labour and human trafficking. Workers, especially migrants, are often subjected to poor working conditions, withheld wages, and restricted freedom, exacerbating the issue of modern slavery. The pressure to complete projects quickly and cost-effectively can result in corners being cut and human rights being overlooked.
The ongoing Olympics highlight these challenges. Whilst the event showcases athletic excellence and international unity, it also casts a spotlight on the darker side of such global spectacles as the influx of temporary workers to support the massive logistical needs of the Olympics may create opportunities for exploitation.
Similarly, Saudi Arabia’s bid for the 2034 FIFA World Cup raises concerns about labour exploitation. The country, likely host for the 2034 World Cup, has faced international criticism for its treatment of migrant workers, who often endure harsh working conditions, low wages, passport confiscation and limited to none legal protections. With the ambitious infrastructure projects required for hosting the World Cup, there is a significant risk that these labour issues could be exacerbated. In addition, in June 2024, the Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI) has filed complaints with the International Labour Organisation (ILO) against Saudi Arabia, highlighting the severe exploitation and abuse of migrant construction workers. Saudi Arabia’s bid, which failed to meet FIFA’s own human rights requirements, brings to light the urgent need for robust safeguards and international oversight to ensure that the rights of workers are protected, and that modern slavery is not perpetuated under the guise of global sporting events.
Legal Design as a solution
Legal Design is an innovative approach that combines legal expertise with design thinking to create more accessible and user-friendly legal systems and documents, offering a powerful tool to empower victims of modern slavery. By utilising visual elements, simplified language, and intuitive interfaces, Legal Design aims to break down complex legal information into easily understandable and accessible formats. This is particularly significant in addressing modern slavery, as it can play a crucial role in empowering victims by helping them understand their rights and navigate the legal frameworks designed to protect them.
Visual aids, for example, play a significant role in demystifying legal rights and procedures. These elements help convey critical information in a clear and engaging manner, allowing victims to better understand their rights and the steps they need to take to seek help. By breaking down dense legal jargon into visual components, Legal Design makes the legal system more approachable and less daunting for those who need it most. This enhanced understanding empowers victims to recognise their exploitation, seek justice, and access the protections and resources available to them.
Implementing Legal Design is essential in ensuring that the legal system serves as a pathway to freedom for victims of modern slavery. By making legal information accessible and user-friendly, Legal Design helps dismantle the barriers that keep victims trapped in exploitation and creates a more proactive, transparent and understandable legal system.
Conclusion
Addressing modern slavery requires a multifaceted approach that includes recognising its presence in various sectors, such as those impacted by mega sports competitions, and ensuring robust legal protections and support for victims. Ensuring these events are free from the taint of modern slavery necessitates vigilant oversight, strict enforcement of labour laws, and a commitment to human rights.
Legal Design offers a promising solution by transforming complex legal information into accessible and understandable formats through the use of visual aids and simplified language. This innovative approach can empower victims of modern slavery by helping them understand their rights and the steps they need to take to seek help. By making the legal system more approachable and less intimidating, Legal Design can play a crucial role in breaking the cycle of exploitation and enabling victims to access the justice and support they need.
Ultimately, combating modern slavery requires a collaborative effort from international organisations, governments, and the global community. However, it can also begin with simple gestures, such as helping victims understand their rights through user-centred means. By prioritising the rights and dignity of workers and providing accessible legal tools, we can empower individuals to recognise and combat exploitation even before it presents itself. These efforts, both large and small, contribute to creating a safer and more just world where the scourge of modern slavery is eradicated, and victims are empowered to reclaim their freedom.
Lodovica Raparelli, a PhD student at King’s College London under Professor Philippa Webb, researches enhancing communication before the International Criminal Court through Legal Design. She holds a Law degree from the University of Bologna and an LL.M. in International Dispute Resolution from King’s. An Italian qualified lawyer, she consults for leading barristers, teaches Public International Law at King’s, and manages projects at the Centre for International Governance and Dispute Resolution.
A very well written piece, with clear and deep ideas. Good job Lodovica Raparelli