The Generation Equality Forum has excluded the tackling of contemporary forms of exploitation and human trafficking from many conversations, blueprints, and agendas as a result of the political and ideological divide on the issue of the commercial sex trade. Consequently, youth voices have been dismissed from important conversations around the Action Coalitions of the Forum and as such, we as youth activists fighting in this sphere have struggled to have our demands respected and translated into tangible actions. For the 2021 Generation Equality Forums, youth raising these issues have not been represented in leadership positions and a lack of unity has led to a suppression of youth voices in the overall process.

Through the intersectionality lens, to effectively end contemporary forms of exploitation, the root causes and vulnerabilities enabling exploitation in the first place must be addressed. Factors that exacerbate vulnerabilities, increasing the risk of contemporary forms of exploitation and human trafficking, include gender inequality, unequal distribution of power, lack of economic mobility, lack of opportunity for growth (economically, educationally, physically), discrimination, climate change and lack of access to education. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals consist of 17 targets acting as a "blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all" that governments have committed to achieving by 2030. Thus, to end contemporary forms of exploitation and human trafficking, all of the Sustainable Development Goals must be achieved.

Governments who signed the 2030 Agenda are committed to achieving their bold and transformative visions, promising to leave no one behind. Fulfilling this commitment requires investments in research, data and analysis to showcase the needs of individuals facing intersectional forms of discrimination. However, regardless of the widespread support youth have received from global grassroots and international organisations, we continue to remain silenced and excluded by the Action Coalitions.

Building upon the Anti-Slavery Collective for the Generation Equality Forum’s recommendations and further consultations with young people internationally, we have presented demands from a youth perspective that challenge and shift mainstream practices around addressing contemporary forms of exploitation and human trafficking. We have highlighted the need to address the root socio-economic causes and vulnerabilities enabling exploitation while acknowledging, practicing and respecting intersectional narratives and approaches. 

Sparked by the continuous exclusion of young activists working tirelessly to end contemporary forms of exploitation, we are determined to take action. We stand empowered and we will never give up until we break all the barriers built around this issue and mainstream it. We aim to ensure that every child, youth and adult is aware of and empowered through choice, preventing any contemporary forms of exploitation. We will continue to hold those in leadership positions accountable, for turning a blind eye to the voices, demands, desperation and powerlessness of those who are most vulnerable and those who are fighting to end contemporary forms of exploitations. We stand united in inviting all youth groups in their constituencies and diversities to stand in solidarity with us and the millions of those suffering in silence. We call on you to urgently commit to take action with us and add you voice to our Manifesto, to stand together for all those left behind.

Click here to read / comment on the full Manifesto.