With 29.8 million people enslaved today, the curse of modern slavery is a significant barrier to the wellbeing and economic prosperity of the world at large. Victims of modern slavery are often prevented from receiving an education, receive little or no pay, and cannot speak or move freely. This is not only a grave injustice for those experiencing these conditions but the knock on effects are unfathomable — the world is missing out on the potential of millions of people.

Unbelievably, ending modern slavery is not yet a clear priority in the proposed Sustainable Development Goals — a transformative action plan which will help shape governments’ policies for years to come.

Countries who agreed to the last set of goals — the Millennium Development Goals — achieved some remarkable things. Together, they halved global poverty, and halved the proportion of people who lack an adequate water supply. Imagine what could be achieved if they committed to ending modern slavery.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has said, “I want this to be the most inclusive global development process the world has ever known”. Call on him to ensure ending modern slavery is prioritised in the Sustainable Development Goals.