Modern Slavery and Trafficking in Conflict: The UN's Response

This report assesses the UN’s role in addressing trafficking in conflict and provides recommendations for strengthening its efforts. It finds that the UN system should work more effectively to help countries tackle slavery in conflict, in part by appointing a Special Coordinator on Modern Slavery. Much closer collaboration should be encouraged between anti-slavery experts and humanitarian practitioners working in conflict zones to help close the gap between high level commitments in Western capitals and the reality on the ground for vulnerable people in crisis. Without more attention to frontline humanitarian action on slavery and trafficking, as well as significantly increased coordination and leadership within the UN and a broader approach to accountability and consequences, positive intentions will fail to translate into real change for the victims of modern slavery.