Short Abstract:

This roundtable will draw upon the expertise of an international network comprising anti-slavery practitioners and development professionals, movement/survivor-leaders and academic researchers to reflect upon the pitfalls of underwriting a field of research and practice through narratives of crisis.

Long Abstract:

Over the last 25 years, since the passing of the Palermo Protocol, efforts to address extreme forms of exploitation – such as forced labour, sexual exploitation, domestic servitude, child soldiery and many more – have routinely presented these as a fresh raft of pressing global crises. This impactful reframing of exploitations under the umbrella of modern slavery and human trafficking (MSHT) prompted set-up of new global funds and NGOs, as well as the establishment of hundreds of bespoke legal instruments. Campaigners, politicians and researchers are among those who have made commitments to work towards the ending of MSHT.

In the sphere of international development, over USD 4 billion in Overseas Development Assistance was dedicated to these issues between 2000 and 2013. Moreover, in 2015 UN member states agreed to target 8.7 of the UN SDGs which committed them to take measures to eradicate forced labour, end MSHT and eliminate all forms of child labour. Yet, as 2030 draws nearer and estimates of MSHT prevalence rise, we’re seeing a weakening of political interest in these issues and a notable contraction of investment with some key stakeholders concluding operations (Delta 8.7, GFEMS, APRIES).

In this moment, there is a need to robustly reflect on what sustained investment in programmes to end MSHT delivered for grassroots partners and communities. The proposed roundtable will create a space for this reflective work in conversation with a multisectoral network of international experts engaged in anti-trafficking prevention and attuned to the intersections of this with international development.

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