Summary

In the present report, the Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery, including its causes and consequences, discusses child slavery and the various forms in which it manifests today. Existing key obligations on Member States in preventing and addressing child slavery are also assessed.

The report begins by assessing relevant legislative frameworks and definitions, and continues by highlighting manifestations of child slavery in different regions as well as the phenomenon’s root causes and the impact of child slavery on the victims. Finally, the Special Rapporteur outlines possible strategies to prevent and eliminate child slavery before presenting recommendations to Member States and other stakeholders, including businesses, for eradicating child slavery at the global and at the national level, including in the light of States’ commitments made under the Sustainable Development Goals.