December 2 marked International Day for the Abolition of Slavery. According to the International Labor Organization, worldwide almost 21 million people are in forced labor, generating estimated profits of $150 billion per year for private businesses. Gladys Melo-Pinzon outlines the key factors contributing to this unconscionable situation, and charts the work of activists, some of whom have been condemned to prison for their efforts.

Dr. Gladys Melo-Pinzon is the Country Specialist of Amnesty International USA (AIUSA) for Niger, Senegal, Mauritania and Guinea, the Amnesty International’s Section in the US and part of the global movement of people fighting injustice and promoting human rights.