The Slavery Convention of 1926 was the first international treaty that considered freedom from slavery as a fundamental right, aiming at eliminating all forms of slavery and forced labour. Today we celebrate the 100th anniversary of its adoption.
The Convention, promoted by the League of Nations in Geneva, set an important precedent and a cornerstone for international law. Yet, exploitation still exists today, often invisible or even “hidden in plain sight”. Worryingly, traffickers uses digital platforms to recruit and control trafficking victims of labor exploitation, bypassing borders and ensuring their anonymity.
To mark this anniversary, the UN Human Rights (OHCHR) has launched a year-long global campaign, from 2 December 2025 to 2 December 2026, to amplify victims’ voices.
Specifically, this campaign has three main objectives:
- Raising global awareness by humanising victims’ experiences
- Strengthening political will and accountability
- Involving private companies to eliminate all forms of exploitation.
Through this campaign, the UN calls out governments to enforce anti-trafficking laws, enhance labour inspections and ensure support and access to justice for all victims.
Technology cannot be left only for traffickers’ advantage. To bridge the gap between new technologies and international human rights priorities, this centenary has inspired UN Human Rights, Call for Code AI, and Austin AI Hub to launch a new digital initiative: Call for Code AI – United Against Trafficking. Emerging digital tools should also be used to protect human rights. This campaign brought developers and institutions together to create AI technologies that combat trafficking and protect potential victims.
Project TEND was the winner of this open call. A free and anonymous web app supporting trafficking victims in the emotional and practical preparation of testifying in court, without the need to share any personal information. (Available in English and Spanish)
Additionally, other projects were just as compelling. Sentinel AI helps job platforms, NGOs, and investigators spot fraudulent recruitment ads before people fall victim to trafficking. TRACE, which placed third, turns frontline workers’ notes into structured case records in five languages, even offline.