Modern slavery in Russia: exploitation without chains

Abstract

This article is devoted to the study of the modern slavery phenomenon in Russia and the problems associated with the protection of citizens. Drawing from the experience of Interregional Public Movement «Alternative» against trafficking in human beings and modern forms of forced labour, and analysis of the Russian case-law under Article 127.1 of the Penal Code («Human trafficking») and the relevant jurisprudence of the European Court of Human Rights, the authors come to conclusions on measures that need to be taken at the state level to create an effective system to combat «modern slavery». These measures should be both of legal and organizational nature. In particular, the authors substantiate the need for the Russian authorities to recognize the depth of the problem, to urgently adopt a national plan of action to combat trafficking in human beings, to create a system for the protection of victims of this crime that meets the requirements of international instruments signed by Russia, and to sign and ratify the Council of Europe Convention on Action against Trafficking in Human Beings.