The issue of sex slavery, more accurately referred to as human trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation, is a grave and global human rights violation. Reliable statistics are notoriously difficult to compile due to the hidden, criminal nature of the crime, varying definitions, and significant underreporting.

However, several organizations—primarily the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the International Labour Organization (ILO) in conjunction with the Walk Free Foundation (Global Slavery Index)—provide the most comprehensive estimates.

Key Global Estimates (ILO & Walk Free, 2022 data)

· Total in Forced Sexual Exploitation: An estimated 6.3 million people were in situations of forced commercial sexual exploitation on any given day in 2021. This is a subset of the total 27.6 million people in “forced labour” broadly.
· Gender and Age: Women and girls are disproportionately affected, accounting for 99% of victims in the commercial sex industry.
· Profits: Forced commercial sexual exploitation generates an estimated $99 billion in illegal profits per year for traffickers.

Regional Patterns and High-Risk Areas (Based on UNODC & GSIR Reports)

It’s crucial to note that no country is immune. Countries can be classified as origin, transit, and/or destination countries. The following highlights areas of significant concern, prevalence, or notable data:

1. Asia and the Pacific
   · Highest Absolute Numbers: Due to its large population and pervasive poverty, this region often has the highest absolute number of victims. Countries like India, China, Bangladesh, and Thailand are frequently cited as major origin, transit, and destination countries.
   · Specific Issues: Widespread exploitation within South Asia, Southeast Asia’s sex tourism industry (e.g., Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam), and conflicts in the Middle East contributing to vulnerability.
2. Europe and Central Asia
   · Destination & Transit: Western and Southern Europe are prime destination regions for victims from Eastern Europe, Africa, and Asia. Eastern Europe (e.g., Ukraine, Moldova, Bulgaria, Romania) remains a significant source region due to socio-economic factors.
   · Within EU: Exploitation occurs in brothels, private apartments, and massage parlors across major cities.
3. Africa
   · High Prevalence (Per Capita): Sub-Saharan Africa has one of the highest estimated prevalence rates per capita of forced labour (which includes sexual exploitation), according to the Global Slavery Index. Conflict, displacement, and extreme poverty are key drivers.
   · Notable Areas: Exploitation linked to conflict in the Sahel, Central Africa, and Horn of Africa, as well as trafficking routes from West Africa to Europe.
4. The Americas
   · United States: A major destination country with victims both domestically trafficked (often runaway youth, vulnerable communities) and internationally. The National Human Trafficking Hotline consistently reports thousands of identified cases annually, with sex trafficking being the most reported form.
   · Latin America: Brazil, Colombia, Dominican Republic, and Mexico are key origin and transit countries, with extensive internal and cross-border trafficking, often to the US, Europe, and within the region.
5. Middle East
   · Destination for Asia and Africa: The Gulf States (like Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar) are documented destination countries for women trafficked from Asia (e.g., Philippines, Nepal, Sri Lanka) and East Africa under the kafala (sponsorship) system, some forced into sexual exploitation.

Important Cautions & Context:

· The “Top 10” Lists are Misleading: Simple ranked lists of “worst countries” are often inaccurate and counterproductive. They ignore factors like population size, government efforts to identify victims, and the complex flow of trafficking across borders.
· Data Sources: Statistics come from identified victims (which reflects law enforcement capacity and prioritization) and statistical estimation models. The real number is always higher.
· Vulnerability Factors: Key drivers everywhere include poverty, gender inequality, armed conflict, political instability, forced displacement, and systemic discrimination against marginalized groups (e.g., ethnic minorities, migrants, LGBTQ+ individuals).

Reliable Sources for Further Research:

· UNODC Global Report on Trafficking in Persons: The most comprehensive global dataset on identified victims.
· https://www.unodc.org/unodc/data-and-analysis/glotip.html
· International Labour Organization (ILO) & Walk Free Foundation: Global Estimates of Modern Slavery.
· https://www.ilo.org/global/topics/forced-labour/publications/global-estimates/lang–en/index.htm
· U.S. Department of State: Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report: Country-by-country assessments and rankings based on governmental efforts (political, not statistical).
· https://www.state.gov/reports/2023-trafficking-in-persons-report/
· Global Slavery Index (by Walk Free): Provides estimated prevalence per country.
· https://www.walkfree.org/global-slavery-index/

In summary, while precise numbers are impossible, sex slavery is a global pandemic affecting every region. It is most prevalent where vulnerability meets demand, facilitated by corruption and transnational criminal networks. Understanding the complex flows and root causes is more important than comparing simple country rankings.

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• The post counters a claim about burqa bans in over 20 European countries by arguing that sex trafficking poses a far greater threat to women’s freedom, citing ILO data estimating 6.3 million victims globally in 2021, with 99% being women and girls.
• While bans exist in about 10 European nations like France, Belgium, and Austria—often framed as security measures—the quoted post exaggerates the number, as confirmed by recent reports up to October 2025.
• India features prominently as an origin, transit, and destination for sex trafficking per UNODC reports, generating $99 billion annually in illicit profits and highlighting underaddressed vulnerabilities like poverty and gender inequality over cultural attire debates.

Global Overview of Sex Trafficking Statistics

Sex trafficking, often referred to as forced commercial sexual exploitation, is a subset of human trafficking where individuals are coerced into commercial sex acts through force, fraud, or coercion (or any involvement of minors). According to the latest global estimates, approximately 6.3 million people worldwide are in situations of forced commercial sexual exploitation on any given day, with nearly 80% being women and girls. This represents about 23% of all forms of privately imposed forced labor. Children account for around 1.7 million of these victims, comprising over half of all children in forced labor globally. 35 Detected victims (those identified by authorities) provide a partial picture, as the crime is underreported; in 2022, 84,623 victims of sexual exploitation were detected across 96 countries, up 46% from 2021 and exceeding pre-pandemic levels. Globally, 36% of all detected trafficking victims are exploited for sexual purposes, with 61% of total victims being women and girls (39% women, 22% girls). Convictions for sexual exploitation account for 72% of global trafficking convictions, totaling around 5,885 in 2022 (up 36% from 2020). 34

Data on sex trafficking is often aggregated at regional levels due to variations in reporting, legal frameworks, and detection capacities. Country-specific figures are limited and typically represent detected cases rather than total prevalence estimates. Below, I summarize key statistics by region, drawing from major reports like the UNODC Global Report on Trafficking in Persons (GLOTiP) 2024 and ILO Global Estimates of Modern Slavery. Where available, I include prevalence estimates from the Walk Free Global Slavery Index (GSI) 2023, which covers modern slavery broadly (including sexual exploitation as a component, though not always broken out separately). The GSI estimates 49.6 million people in modern slavery globally, with sexual exploitation embedded in forced labor figures. 26 Economic profits from sex trafficking are estimated at around $99 billion annually worldwide, driven by vulnerabilities like poverty, migration, and gender inequality. 6

Africa

Sub-Saharan Africa has seen a 98% increase in detected trafficking victims since 2019, with 21% exploited for sexual purposes (down from higher shares pre-pandemic due to rising forced labor detections). Total detected victims: Around 10,000–15,000 annually (2022 estimate), 61% children (42% girls, 19% boys). Sexual exploitation victims are almost exclusively women and girls (80% women, 19% girls). Flows are 98% intra-regional, with 83% domestic in West Africa. Convictions increased 79% since 2019, but remain low (around 1,234 traffickers regionally). 34

• Nigeria: 663 detected victims (2022), with high rates of sexual exploitation among women and girls (61–66% of girls aged 18–23 in prostitution or mining areas); 84% of victims are women/girls. Convictions: 21. 34 GSI prevalence: 5.2 per 1,000 people in modern slavery (estimated 736,000 total victims). 26
• Côte d’Ivoire: 1,470 detected victims, including 4–66% children in sexual exploitation. Convictions: 79. 34
• Uganda: 1,295 detected victims, with 6–66% children aged 18–23 in sexual exploitation (East Africa regional pattern). Convictions: 21. 34
• United Republic of Tanzania: 187 detected victims. Convictions: 9. 34
• Madagascar: 663 detected victims. 34 GSI: 9.7 per 1,000 (estimated 278,000 total). 26
• Regional ILO Estimate: 3.8 million in forced labor (including sexual exploitation), prevalence 2.9 per 1,000. 35 North Africa reports higher detections among women (25–33% in domestic work with sexual elements), with flows from East Africa (48%). 34

Americas

In North America, detected victims increased 78% since 2019, with 69% for sexual exploitation (75% women/girls, 69% girls). Flows: 75% domestic. Convictions down 28%. 34 Central America and the Caribbean: 62% sexual exploitation (80% women/girls). Detections down 53% since 2019. South America: 40% sexual (66% women/girls). Detections down 7%. 34

• United States: Among identified victims (2002–2022), 10% originate domestically. National hotline data: Over 16,000 victims in cases (2023), majority sex trafficking (women predominant). 10 12 GSI: 1.1 per 1,000 (estimated 372,000 total). 26
• Mexico: 7% of global identified victims originate here (2002–2022). 10 GSI: 3.6 per 1,000 (estimated 465,000). 26
• Regional ILO: 3.6 million in forced labor, prevalence 3.5 per 1,000. 35

Asia and the Pacific

East Asia and Pacific: 32% sexual exploitation (60% women). Detections down 46% since 2019. South Asia: 30% sexual (59% women). Detections down 7%. 34 High risks in tourism venues like massage parlors and nightclubs.

• Gender and Age: 61-66% women/girls; 80% of sexual exploitation victims are women/girls (19% girls under 18). 1 2 Children: 48-50% of victims; girls aged 13-15 in mining/prostitution hotspots (40-60%). 3 Men/boys: Trafficked for labor but also sexual exploitation as gigolos/escorts.
• Key Vulnerabilities: Poverty, skewed sex ratios (e.g., Haryana/Punjab, leading to bride trafficking), early marriage, dowry practices, migration, cyber exploitation, and socio-economic inequalities. 1 3 Marginalized groups (Dalits, lower castes) face higher risks; practices like Devadasi/Joginis force girls into CSE. 42 COVID-19 exacerbated debt bondage and online exploitation. 42
• Origins and Flows: 90% internal; interstate from poor states (e.g., West Bengal, Bihar) to urban centers. Cross-border: Nepal/Bangladesh women/girls for CSE; Indian women to Middle East. 0 1 98% victims Indian nationals. 2

• Philippines: 11% of global identified victims (2002–2022). 10 GSI: 4.0 per 1,000 (estimated 457,000). 26
• India: Major origin, transit, and destination; generates $99 billion in illicit profits annually. 6 GSI: 8.0 per 1,000 (estimated 11.1 million total, highest globally). 26
• North Korea: GSI: 104.6 per 1,000 (estimated 2.7 million, highest prevalence). 26
• Regional ILO: Asia-Pacific: 15.1 million in forced labor (3.5 per 1,000); Arab States: 0.9 million (5.3 per 1,000). 35

Europe and Central Asia

Eastern Europe and Central Asia: 84% sexual in Eastern Europe, 59% in Central Asia (82% women/girls). Detections up 4% since 2019. 34 Central and South-Eastern Europe: 50% sexual (46% girls). Convictions up 29%. 34 Western and Southern Europe: 39% women detections; sexual prominent in spas and hotels. 34 EU total: 10,793 registered victims (2023), 43.8% sexual, 63.3% women/girls; 64.1% non-EU citizens. 13 23

• Ukraine: 16% of global identified victims (2002–2022). 10 GSI: 6.4 per 1,000 (estimated 275,000). 26
• Republic of Moldova: 9% of global identified victims. 10
• Romania and Bulgaria: Mostly domestic victims (EU pattern). 13
• Regional ILO: 4.1 million in forced labor (4.4 per 1,000). 35

Middle East

62% children in North Africa detections; sexual 60% in other Middle East. Flows from South Asia (43%). Convictions up 20% but down from 2019. 34 Highest organ removal cases (175 global, 2017–2023). 19

• Eritrea: GSI: 90.3 per 1,000 (estimated 321,000). 26

These figures underscore the need for improved detection and data collection, as estimates vary based on methodologies (e.g., detected vs. prevalence). For more granular data, refer to full reports from UNODC, ILO, or Walk Free.

TOP COUNTRIES

Top Countries by Absolute Numbers of Victims in Modern Slavery (Including Sexual Exploitation)

The Global Slavery Index (GSI) 2023 estimates 50 million people in modern slavery globally, encompassing forced labor (which includes forced commercial sexual exploitation), human trafficking, forced marriage, and other forms. Forced commercial sexual exploitation is not quantified separately but is explicitly included in these figures, particularly in contexts like trafficking, migrant vulnerabilities, conflict zones, and state-imposed exploitation (e.g., sexual slavery in prison camps or under sponsorship systems like kafala). 33 Below are the top 10 countries by estimated absolute numbers, with notes on sexual exploitation where highlighted in reports.

• India: 11.05 million people in modern slavery (prevalence: 8.0 per 1,000). Includes forced commercial sexual exploitation in supply chains (e.g., garments) and cross-border trafficking, such as women and girls from Bangladesh. 33 Detected child trafficking victims: 2,878 (2022, not sex-specific). 30
• China: 5.77 million (prevalence: 4.0 per 1,000). State-sponsored forced labor affects 3.9 million, including sexual slavery in government camps targeting Uyghurs, ethnic Kazakhs, and other minorities. 33 31
• Pakistan: 2.35 million (prevalence: 10.6 per 1,000). Includes trafficking for sexual exploitation. 33 Detected child victims: 2,457 (2022). 30
• North Korea (DPRK): 2.7 million (prevalence: 104.6 per 1,000). Primarily state-imposed forced labor; includes forced sexual slavery of women and girls by officials, with 80,000–120,000 in prison camps involving sexual exploitation. 33 31
• Indonesia: 1.83 million (prevalence: 6.7 per 1,000). General vulnerabilities include sexual exploitation in migration and supply chains. 33
• Russia: 1.90 million (prevalence: 13.0 per 1,000). Conflict-related, including forced sex trafficking of Ukrainians in occupied territories (e.g., sexual slavery). 33 31
• Nigeria: 1.61 million (prevalence: 7.8 per 1,000). Highest global detections for sexual exploitation (~70% women/girls); includes conflict zones where sexual exploitation is used as a weapon. 33 32 Detected child victims: 974 (2022). 30
• Türkiye: 1.32 million (prevalence: 15.6 per 1,000). Refugee and migrant risks include trafficking for sexual purposes. 33
• United States: 1.09 million (prevalence: 3.3 per 1,000). Includes sexual exploitation in trafficking cases. 33 Detected child victims: 4,849 (2022, highest globally). 30
• Bangladesh: 1.16 million (prevalence: 7.1 per 1,000). Trafficking origins, including women/girls to India for sexual exploitation. 33

Top Countries by Prevalence of Modern Slavery (per 1,000 Population)

These rankings from the GSI highlight per capita vulnerability, with sexual exploitation included in broader estimates (e.g., via trafficking and conflict). 33

• North Korea: 104.6 per 1,000 (~2.7 million total). Includes state-imposed sexual slavery.
• Eritrea: 90.3 per 1,000 (~320,000). State-imposed forced labor heightens risks.
• Mauritania: 32.0 per 1,000 (149,000). Hereditary slavery includes exploitation forms.
• Saudi Arabia: 21.3 per 1,000 (740,000). Migrant vulnerabilities under kafala system, including forced sex work via social media.
• Türkiye: 15.6 per 1,000 (1.32 million). Sexual trafficking among refugees.
• Tajikistan: 14.0 per 1,000 (133,000). General Central Asian vulnerabilities.
• United Arab Emirates: 13.4 per 1,000 (132,000). Kafala-related sexual exploitation in domestic work.
• Russia: 13.0 per 1,000 (1.90 million). Conflict-driven sexual slavery.
• Kuwait: 13.0 per 1,000 (55,000). Migrant exploitation via apps, including sexual.
• Afghanistan: 13.0 per 1,000 (estimates excluded due to conflict). War zones increase forced marriage and sexual services.

Top Origin Countries for Detected Victims of Sexual Exploitation

Based on UNODC data (2002–2022), these are leading countries of citizenship for identified trafficking victims, with sexual exploitation prominent (36% of global detections in 2022; 94% female victims). 32 7 Flows often involve poverty, migration, and gender inequality.

• Ukraine: 16% of global identified victims (2002–2022). Primarily women/girls for sexual exploitation in Europe.
• Philippines: 11%. Sexual exploitation in tourism and domestic work abroad.
• Moldova: 9%. Eastern European flows to Western Europe for prostitution.
• Mexico: 7%. To North America, often involving sexual exploitation.
• Nigeria: Major origin (26% of Sub-Saharan flows); ~70% detected victims are women/girls for sexual exploitation, routed to Europe (e.g., Italy via North Africa).
• Sub-Saharan Africa (regional): 36% of cross-border flows; domestic/internal dominant (71%), with girls in mining/prostitution hotspots (40–60% children aged 13–15).

Top Destination Regions/Countries for Sexual Exploitation

Destinations see high detections in prostitution, online platforms, and tourism (e.g., hotels, spas). 32 9 In 2022, 84,623 sexual exploitation victims detected globally (+46% from 2021).

• Western and Southern Europe: High detections (1,684 extrapolated across 8 countries; +45% since 2019). Origins: 39% Central/South-Eastern Europe, 28% Sub-Saharan Africa. Sexual exploitation: 22% of cases, often in brothels/street/online.
• North America: 69% of trafficking for sexual exploitation (75% domestic). Girls: 56% of victims.
• Middle East (non-GCC): 60% for sexual exploitation; women predominant in prostitution.
• Central America and Caribbean: 62% sexual; 80% domestic, girls 52%.
• Italy: Key for Nigerian victims (16–24 interviewed 2014–2022) via Mediterranean routes.
• Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries (e.g., Saudi Arabia, UAE, Kuwait): 9% sexual in GCC, but high migrant inflows from South Asia/East Asia for exploitation in domestic settings with sexual elements.

Tier 3 Countries (Worst Offenders per US TIP Report 2025)

These 13 countries have government policies or patterns enabling trafficking, including sex trafficking. 31 13 5 They do not meet minimum standards and show minimal efforts.

• Afghanistan, Belarus, Burma, Cambodia, China, Cuba, Eritrea, Iran, DPRK, Russia, South Sudan, Sudan, Syria. Specific sex trafficking notes: Cambodia (in scam operations), China (sexual slavery in camps), Cuba (in medical missions), DPRK (in prison camps), Russia (in occupied Ukraine).

These breakdowns rely on detected cases (underreported) and estimates; actual prevalence is higher due to underdetection. For child-specific, global detected trafficked children: 18,474 (2022), with 38.7% for sexual exploitation overall. 30

MORE DETAILS ABOUT INDIAN STATS

Overview of Sex Trafficking in India

India is a major source, transit, and destination country for sex trafficking, with an estimated 11 million people in modern slavery overall as of 2021, including significant numbers in forced commercial sexual exploitation (FCSE). 40 This equates to a prevalence of 8 people in modern slavery per 1,000 population, ranking India sixth in Asia-Pacific and 34th globally out of 160 countries. 42 Sex trafficking accounts for about 33% of all human trafficking cases in India, often intertwined with forced labor (43%), and driven by poverty, gender inequality, migration, and organized crime. 4 The industry generates around $99 billion in illicit profits annually, making it highly lucrative for traffickers. 3 While exact figures are underreported due to hidden nature and conflation with other crimes, recent data shows a mix of stagnation and slight declines in reported cases amid improved detection efforts.

Prevalence Estimates

• Global Slavery Index (Walk Free, 2023): 11.05 million people in modern slavery, including FCSE, with India having the highest absolute number globally. 40 42 Sexual exploitation is prominent in supply chains (e.g., garments) and cross-border trafficking from Nepal and Bangladesh.
• ILO/UNODC Estimates: Around 30 million people trafficked for CSE in Asia, with India as a key hub; 90% of trafficking is internal/interstate. 36 Globally, India contributes significantly to the 6.3 million in forced sexual exploitation, with 99% women and girls.
• NGO/UN Estimates: 20-65 million Indians affected by forced/bonded labor broadly, including CSE; 12-50 million women and children trafficked annually into India from neighbors. 0 16 Up to 800,000 women and children trafficked across borders yearly, 80% into forced sex work. 36

Detected Victims and Cases

Data from India’s National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) and international reports show detected cases represent only a fraction of the issue. NCRB compiles annual data on human trafficking under IPC Section 370, including sex trafficking.

• NCRB (2022): 6,036 victims trafficked overall (3,158 adults, 2,878 children); 1,983 for sexual exploitation (33%). 8 Total human trafficking cases: 2,183 (down 3% from 2022), at 1.63 per million population. 5 19 Over 10,659 cases registered between 2018-2022, with only 10% convictions. 1
• US TIP Report (2024/2025, covering 2021-2023 data): 2,049 sex trafficking victims identified in 2021 (out of 3,885 labor/sex victims total; 60% female, 48% children). 2 In 2020: 1,466 sex trafficking victims (part of 5,156 total; 62% female). 1 Cumulative 2016-2023: 17,944 victims for sexual exploitation/prostitution. 19 India remains on Tier 2 (significant efforts but not fully meeting standards). 22
• UNODC GLOTIP (2024): South Asia detections down 7% since 2019; 30% for sexual exploitation (59% women). 34 India as origin: 11% of global identified victims from Philippines-like flows, but high internal.
• Child-Specific: 40,000 children abducted yearly, 11,000 untraced; 1.7 million children in FCSE globally, with India a hotspot. 16 4 NCRB 2022: 2,878 child victims trafficked, no consistent increase trend. 10 12 million children exploited globally, many in India. 1

Historical trends: Cases rose 18% from 6,877 in 2015 to 8,137 in 2016, then fluctuated; declined in 2020 due to COVID-19 lockdowns. 12 4

Demographics and Vulnerabilities

Regional Hotspots

State-wise breakdowns from NCRB 2022 show uneven distribution: 7 19

• Maharashtra: Highest cases (388; 856 sex trafficking detections in 2021). 42
• Telangana: 336 cases (584 sex trafficking in 2021). 42
• Odisha: 162 cases.
• Uttar Pradesh: 155 cases.
• Bihar: 132 cases.
• Other: Andhra Pradesh (high child cases); West Bengal (14,000 missing in one year, many trafficked). 37 Poverty-stricken regions (e.g., Jharkhand for mica mining with CSE) and tourism spots (Goa, Kerala for sex tourism). 3 42

Forms and Modus Operandi

• Venues: Brothels, massage parlors, hotels, spas, online platforms, private residences, entertainment venues. 42 Increasing cyber-enabled trafficking via social media/apps.
• Tactics: False promises of jobs/marriage, debt bondage, force/fraud/coercion; virgin demand fueled by STD fears. 3 Traditional practices (e.g., Bedia communities placing daughters in CSE). 42
• Linked Crimes: Bride trafficking (1 in 25 in Haryana forced into prostitution/polyandry); child sex tourism in Goa/Kerala. 1 8

Government Response and Challenges

• Laws: IPC Section 370 (trafficking), ITPA (commercial sexual exploitation), POCSO (child offenses), Bonded Labour Abolition Act 1976, Article 23 (prohibits trafficking). 6 41 Draft anti-trafficking bill pending.
• Efforts: Anti-Human Trafficking Units (AHTUs) in all districts; financial aid for victim services; repatriation protocols; increased convictions (up 36% globally, but low in India at ~10%). 2 10 Cooperation: Released 11 Indian victims from Laos, 38 from Burma in 2022. 6
• Challenges: Slow courts (70% pretrial detention >3 months); conflation with immigration/adoption; penalization of victims; gaps in labor trafficking definitions; low convictions due to backlog/corruption. 2 15 Limited protection for overseas victims; underreporting.

For the most current data, consult NCRB’s annual “Crime in India” reports or UNODC’s GLOTIP updates, as figures evolve with better detection.

CHILD TRAFFICKING CRIMES IN IN INDIA

Overview of Child Trafficking in India

Child trafficking in India involves the illegal recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring, or receipt of individuals under 18 for exploitation purposes, such as forced commercial sexual exploitation (CSEC), forced labor, begging, organ removal, forced marriage, adoption, or recruitment into armed groups. India serves as a major source, transit, and destination country for child trafficking, driven by factors like poverty, gender inequality, migration, natural disasters, and socio-economic disparities. Marginalized groups, including lower castes, tribals, and girls from rural areas, are particularly vulnerable. According to NCRB data, one child disappears every eight minutes in India, with many cases linked to trafficking. 30 Globally, the ILO estimates 3.3 million children in forced commercial sexual exploitation and 3.5 million in other forced labor forms, with India contributing significantly (estimated 5.8 million children in forced labor overall). 23 The 2023 Global Slavery Index estimates 11.05 million people in modern slavery in India, including substantial child involvement in CSEC, forced labor, child marriage, and armed conflict. 34

Prevalence Estimates

• Global Slavery Index (Walk Free, 2023): 11.05 million in modern slavery (prevalence: 8 per 1,000), the highest absolute number worldwide, ranking India sixth in Asia-Pacific and 34th globally out of 160 countries. 34 This includes children in CSEC (e.g., in Kolkata and Mumbai brothels, with girls as young as 13 from communities like Bachhada, Bedia, and Khanjar), forced labor (e.g., debt bondage in mica mining, agriculture, brick kilns), child marriage (23% of women aged 20-24 married before 18, affecting 216 million women/girls historically), and armed conflict (18 verified cases of boys recruited in Jammu and Kashmir in 2022). 34 Estimates exclude organ trafficking and certain conflict uses, making them conservative.
• UNODC Global Report on Trafficking in Persons (2024): In South Asia (including India), children comprise 38-50% of detected victims, with a 31% global increase in child detections since 2019 (girls up 38%, boys up 24%). 23 Girls are increasingly detected in sexual exploitation (60-66%), boys in forced labor (41-47%).
• NGO and Other Estimates: 12,000-50,000 women and children trafficked annually from neighboring countries (e.g., Nepal, Bangladesh) into India for sex trade; 40,000-1-2 lakh Nepali girls in Indian brothels. 35 Annually, 40,000 children abducted, with 11,000 untraced. 35

Detected Victims and Cases

Data primarily from NCRB’s “Crime in India” reports (latest published: 2022) shows underreporting, as many cases are filed as kidnappings or missing persons rather than trafficking. Detected cases represent a fraction of the problem.

• Rescued Child Victims (Below 18 Years, NCRB via Ministry of Home Affairs):
• 2018: 2,484
• 2019: 2,746
• 2020: 2,151 (dip due to COVID-19 lockdowns)
• 2021: 2,691
• 2022: 3,098
  No consistent upward trend, but numbers fluctuate with detection efforts. 36 37 For 2023-2024 (partial data), national authorities reported 44 boys and 63 girls as victims. 31
• Total Human Trafficking Cases (NCRB): 10,659 registered between 2018-2022, with only 1,031 convictions (low rate due to backlogs and misclassification). 46 In 2022: 2,183 cases (1.63 per million population), down 3% from 2021; 6,036 victims total, including ~2,878-3,098 children (47-51%). 24 36 Trends: Cases rose 18% from 2015-2016, fluctuated, and declined in 2020 due to pandemic.
• US TIP Report (2025): In 2022, government identified 7,134 trafficking victims overall (including children), plus 900 potential; 1,600 in bonded labor. 10 MHA investigated 316 cases (April 2023-March 2024); RPF identified 882 victims. 10 2,250 investigations, 676 prosecutions, 204 convictions in 2022. 24

Demographics and Vulnerabilities

• Gender and Age: Girls comprise 71.4% of missing children (83,350 missing in 2022: 62,946 girls, 20,380 boys). 35 Children under 18 account for 48-51% of trafficking victims; girls (80% of sex trafficking) aged 13-18 are most vulnerable to CSEC due to poverty, false job promises, or cultural practices like Devadasi/Joginis. 34 35 Boys often in forced labor (e.g., mining, begging) or armed groups.
• Key Vulnerabilities: Poverty, illiteracy, gender bias, migration, debt bondage, cyber lures via social media/apps, and practices like child marriage (39-49% minor girls in forced marriages). 35 COVID-19 exacerbated risks through job losses and online exploitation. 34 Flows: 90% internal/interstate; cross-border from Nepal/Bangladesh.

Regional Hotspots

Trafficking is unevenly distributed, with poor states as origins and urban areas as destinations.

• Top States (2022 Victims): Odisha (1,120 total, 353 children), Maharashtra (805 total, high child CSEC), Telangana (high sex trafficking). 45 Other: West Bengal (14,000 missing annually), Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh (high child cases), Jharkhand (mica mining with CSEC), Goa/Kerala (sex tourism). 34 Delhi: 106 cases in 2022 (73.5% jump from 2021), 509 victims (most boys under 18 in forced labor). 41

Forms and Modus Operandi

• CSEC: 33-36% of cases; venues include brothels, hotels, spas, online platforms; driven by virgin demand and sex tourism. 34
• Forced Labor: 43-55%; children in agriculture, brick kilns, domestic work, mining, begging; often bonded (debts inherited). 23 34
• Other: Forced marriage (182 cases in 2021), organ harvesting, child soldiers (in Naxalite areas), illegal adoption. 34 35
• Tactics: False job/marriage promises, coercion, debt, abduction; increasing cyber-enabled via apps.

Government Response

India is on Tier 2 in the US TIP Report 2025 (significant efforts but not fully meeting standards). 10

• Laws: POCSO Act 2012 (child sexual offenses), JJ Act 2015 (care/protection), ITPA 1956 (sex trafficking), Bonded Labour Abolition Act 1976, Child Labour Prohibition Act 1986 (amended 2016), Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 (replaces IPC Section 370), Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2006. 21 35
• Efforts: 827 AHTUs operational; Nirbhaya Fund (2 billion INR/$23.37 million for services); child helplines; awareness campaigns; repatriation (e.g., 2,358 Indians from abroad); trainings for police/judges; One-Stop Centers (704) and Shakti Sadan homes for victims. 21 36 eMigrate system regulates recruitment; video testimony for child witnesses.
• Government Response Rating (Walk Free): 46/100; strong in coordination (75/100) but weak in survivor support (36/100) and supply chains (0/100). 34

Challenges

• Underreporting and misclassification (e.g., as kidnapping); low convictions (~10%); case backlogs; corruption/complicity among officials. 21 35
• Inconsistent SOPs; inadequate shelters (shortages, abuse reports); delayed compensation; victim penalization. 21
• No national action plan covering all forms; poor inter-state coordination; data gaps (no 2023 NCRB report). 21
• Cultural practices (e.g., Devadasi); technology aiding traffickers; economic disparities.

For updated data, refer to NCRB’s “Crime in India” or UNODC reports, as figures evolve with improved detection.