More than 40 million people world-wide are trapped in modern slavery.
In the Commonwealth, including the Pacific, a human rights group called Walk Free estimate one out of every 150 people are victims.
New Zealand does not have modern slavery legislation, but with a large immigrant workforce and growing number of overstayers in the country the risk of exploitation is high and local businesses are pushing the government to enact relevant legislation.
But what is the prevalence and vulnerability in the Pacific?
Sela Jane Hopgood reports.
Photo: 123RF
