Slavery: A 21st Century Evil (2011)
In this powerful investigative series, Al Jazeera dives into the dark corners of modern-day slavery, exposing its insidious presence across the globe. The series sheds light on the various forms of contemporary slavery, revealing how it has evolved and persisted despite historical efforts to abolish it.
- Food Chain Slaves:
- The documentary begins by focusing on food chain slavery, which is considered one of the easiest forms of slavery to eradicate. It takes us to the impoverished villages of Thailand, where agents working for US slave masters exploit desperate peasants. These agents lure them with promises of well-paid jobs abroad, only to trap them in exploitative labor conditions within the US. Through interviews, hidden cameras, and firsthand accounts, the film uncovers the harsh realities faced by these modern-day slaves.
- Sex Slaves:
- The second episode delves into the harrowing world of sex slavery, a pervasive issue present in every corner of the world. The investigation centers on women from Moldova, the poorest country in Europe, who are trafficked to wealthier European nations. Amsterdam’s notorious red-light district becomes a focal point, where these women endure unimaginable suffering. The documentary exposes the networks that perpetuate this trade, revealing the heartbreaking stories of those ensnared in its web.
- Widespread Tolerance and Human Exploitation:
- Throughout the series, Al Jazeera emphasizes that slavery is more widespread today than during its historical abolition in the 19th century. It has transformed into a widely tolerated form of human exploitation, affecting vulnerable populations across continents. By shedding light on these hidden atrocities, the documentary aims to raise awareness, ignite conversations, and inspire action against this grave injustice.
In summary, Slavery: A 21st Century Evil serves as a wake-up call, urging viewers to confront the uncomfortable truth that slavery persists in our modern world, demanding urgent attention and collective efforts to eradicate it.
