Think slavery is a thing of the past? Think again. There are more people in slavery today than during the centuries-long transatlantic slave trade. The bonds that hold people today may not be physical, but they’re no less biting. And the harsh reality is, that a vast number of products and services we buy every day, from the clothes we wear to the food we eat, are made by slaves. 

The high-level treaties supposed to defend and protect human rights are no longer enough to tackle this growing problem. But there is a movement for change. Companies around the world are pioneering practices to keep modern slavery out of their supply chains and new laws have begun to address some of the challenges.  

In ten minutes, or roughly the time it takes to buy a shirt online, Director of the Australian Human Rights Institute, Professor Justine Nolan, explains what modern slavery looks like and what can be done put an end to it, once and for all.  

Produced by UNSW Centre for Ideas' 10 Minute Genius programme.