It is nearly impossible to open up a newspaper these days and not see an article that addresses the issue of slavery . Companies that once used racially stereotyped images to sell rice, cream of wheat and pancake mix are rebranding. Statues commemorating leaders who supported slavery are being pulled down . Flags that memorialised a legacy of slavery are being retired . Organisations ranging from sports teams to government agencies to corporations are acknowledging the fact that slavery was a terrible practice that oppressed millions. There are even companies apologising for supporting slavery in their business efforts centuries ago. The thousands of people who have taken part in the Black Lives Matter marches have raised awareness of the impact that slavery has had on so many communities. Slavery represents one of the most reprehensible practices. On so many levels, it breaks countless ethical and moral codes of conduct. Understanding the pain and suffering that so many people experienced is a way to educate and heal cultures that have never completely come to terms with this terrible reality. But as a person who has spent over 35 years addressing issues related to human trafficking and modern slavery, I can’t help but wonder why it is so hard to get the world to understand that slavery is not just a thing of the past. It continues on to this day. In fact, there are more slaves today than at any other time in history. Globally, it is estimated that there are over 40 million men, women and children in situations of modern-day slavery today, with about half in the Asia-Pacific alone. These victims, who can be found in factories, construction sites, the fishing industry and sex venues, are forced to work for little or no pay, deprived of their freedom, and often subjected to unimaginable suffering. Over more than three decades, the international community working against human trafficking has not come close to meeting its full potential. While individual, small-scale success stories can be found, most victims are never identified. For example, last year, only 0.2 per cent of the victims were assisted. This number has remained unchanged for many years. For this to change, we need the whole world to care and to take a stand to end this horrible injustice. Why is there so much emphasis on the slavery of the past? Why can’t we muster massive marches and rallies to fight for the millions of slaves who are suffering all over the world today? What would it take for this to happen? Matt Friedman, CEO, The Mekong Club