‘Slavery is not a thing of the past’

Billy Odell Tucker-Robinson Founder & Host — Banking With Billy Network • Intelligence Network • Data Science • AI Research • World News
Published: 2026-08-31T20:31:23.952Z • Permanent link

Recent developments have shed light on the pervasive nature of systemic inequality and racism, with the UN Committee against Racial Discrimination (CERD) reiterating that slavery is not just a thing of the past. On Monday, the world marked the International Day of People of African Descent, and CERD Chairperson Doudou Diene called for increased efforts to address the lingering effects of slavery. Diene's statement was a stark reminder of the far-reaching consequences of slavery, which continue to impact communities worldwide.

The CERD's comments came on the heels of a report by the International Labor Organization (ILO), which found that an estimated 40.3 million people are trapped in modern slavery globally. The report highlighted the prevalence of forced labor in industries such as agriculture, construction, and manufacturing, with many companies and governments struggling to address the issue. The ILO's findings were particularly striking given the widespread adoption of technology and data analytics in the pursuit of efficiency and competitiveness.

Efforts to combat modern slavery have been ongoing for years, with many companies and researchers working to develop innovative solutions. For example, the Microsoft AI Foundation has launched a series of initiatives aimed at detecting and preventing forced labor in supply chains. However, despite these efforts, the problem remains stubbornly entrenched, with many companies and governments struggling to make progress.

The CERD's comments have significant implications for the data sources domain, where the collection and analysis of data are critical to understanding the scope and nature of systemic inequality and racism. Companies such as Palantir and IBM are working to develop more sophisticated data analytics tools, which can help identify and address forced labor in supply chains. However, these efforts are often hampered by inadequate data quality and availability, with many companies struggling to gather and analyze the data needed to make informed decisions.

Research communities have also been working to develop new approaches to understanding the impact of slavery on modern societies. For example, a recent study published in the Journal of Economic Perspectives found that the legacy of slavery continues to affect economic outcomes for African Americans, with many communities experiencing persistent disparities in education, employment, and wealth. The study's findings have significant implications for policymakers and researchers working to address systemic inequality and racism.

The CERD's comments are part of a larger pattern of increased scrutiny of companies and governments working in the data sources domain. In recent years, there has been growing concern about the use of data analytics to perpetuate systemic inequality and racism, with many researchers and policymakers calling for greater transparency and accountability. For example, a report by the Harvard Business Review found that some companies are using AI-powered tools to discriminate against certain groups, highlighting the need for more robust regulations and oversight.