An estimated 45.8 million people live in some form of slavery across the world, according to the 2016 Global Slavery Index by human rights group Walk Free Foundation.
Yet pressure and awareness are now building, big business is starting to lead the way, new laws are being put in place and potentially game-changing technology is available.
We asked experts what they see as the five most important tools in the year ahead to tackle the illegal trade in humans that is worth an estimated $150bn a year:
1. Technology
Technological innovation and scientific advances are more important than ever in monitoring, detecting and prosecuting cases of trafficking.
