Why does slavery persist?

The Global Slavery Index says millions are trapped in modern slavery worldwide, with Asian countries topping the list.



More than 45 million people around the world are trapped in modern slavery and that is just an estimate - the true total could be many more.

Workers enslaved to pay off debts, women trafficked into prostitution or forced to become domestic servants.

The Global Slavery Index says modern day slavery is thriving and is very profitable for some.

The index is published by the Walk Free Foundation, an Australian group campaigning to stamp out the slave trade.

Judging by their latest study of 167 countries, there is a long way to go.

Slavery is sanctioned by some governments, including North Korea, where an estimated one in every 20 people is enslaved.