We sometimes speak about the abolition of slavery as though it’s already been achieved.

But there are more than 50 million victims of slavery today – right now.

One in four of them are children.

Slavery is able to thrive because of how many economies are structured and run.

It grows where there is no freedom.

It preys on people who are left behind, whose rights are denied.

For over 30 years, the UN Slavery Fund has been helping survivors recover.

We know how to end slavery. We know that without action, millions more people will need help.

On this International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, I call on political and business leaders to take real action to uphold human rights.