Report

Mar 1, 2024

HRF Authoritarianism Partnerships Report

Modern slavery, also known as “human trafficking” and “trafficking in persons” exists everywhere, and is on the rise. In 2021, the organization Walk Free found that 50 million people are enslaved worldwide, with 28 million trapped in forced labor and 22 million trapped in forced marriage. This number grew by 10 million from the organization’s 2018 estimates. Individuals’ vulnerability to trafficking occurs in tandem with current issues like increasing conflict, global democratic backsliding, and the economic and social impacts of environmental degradation and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Related Topics

Share

Related Topics

Share

Latest Reports

Manipulation of Sustainable Development: Framing of the UN SDGs by Authoritarian Regimes

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are global sustainability benchmarks adopted by the United Nations in 2015 to guide an inclusive and sustainable transformation by 2030.

Risks Beyond Wrongdoing: Traveling to China

On Sept. 15, 2026, China’s new Regulations on Exit and Entry Administration will enter into force. Although the regulations do not create a blanket new exit ban power over foreign visitors, they do further formalize a wider legal system in which the boundaries of prohibited conduct are difficult to anticipate and meaningful avenues for challenging government action are limited.

You May Also Like

Manipulation of Sustainable Development: Framing of the UN SDGs by Authoritarian Regimes

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are global sustainability benchmarks adopted by the United Nations in 2015 to guide an inclusive and sustainable transformation by 2030.

Risks Beyond Wrongdoing: Traveling to China

On Sept. 15, 2026, China’s new Regulations on Exit and Entry Administration will enter into force. Although the regulations do not create a blanket new exit ban power over foreign visitors, they do further formalize a wider legal system in which the boundaries of prohibited conduct are difficult to anticipate and meaningful avenues for challenging government action are limited.

Warning signals: Venezuela and the risk of Chinese AI-enabled digital authoritarianism

This report shows that Venezuela is in a position to quickly acquire Chinese artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled surveillance tools. Venezuela has signed an agreement to acquire them, and government officials have stated their intention to integrate them into Venezuela’s current surveillance regime.

HRF’s letter to WP Engine

Dear WP Engine: We write on behalf of the Human Rights Foundation (“HRF”) in response to WP Engine’s notice of September 3, 2026, concerning the request to geo-block access to tyrannytracker.org (“Tyranny Tracker” or the “Site”) from Russia.

Empower Change With Your Donation

Join us in helping save lives and stand up to tyranny.

Follow Us

Stay informed about our work and discover ways to join the movement to protect democracy.

Take Action

Take Action