THE International Labour Organisation (ILO) and Human Resources Without Borders (RHSF), in collaboration with Cartooning for Peace, have launched a campaign to shed light on the injustice of forced labour, through a global cartoon competition.

"At any given time, about 25 million men, women and children are trapped in forced labour – 16 million are exploited in the private sector, many working in construction, agriculture, or as domestic workers; 4.8 million are in forced sexual exploitation, and 4 million in forced labour imposed by state authorities. One in four victims of modern slavery are children," said the ILO.

Cartoonists from all over the world will have the opportunity to participate in the competition which is being held from March 10-April 10, raising awareness of forced labour through striking images and visual messages that need little or no words.

Competition organisers hope the cartoons will also help people take a stand against this severe violation of human rights.

"Many people are not aware that we are all connected to forced labour, through the goods and services we consume, or because it may happen in our community or neighbourhood," said Mr Thomas Wissing, Head of Advocacy and Partnerships in ILO's Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work Branch.

The winning cartoonists will be interviewed by the ILO and their cartoons will be featured on the ILO, RHSF and Cartooning for Peace websites. Their cartoons will also be used to develop a major publication and an exhibition to raise awareness on forced labour.

To mark the UN International Year for the Elimination of Child Labour, an additional award will be given for the best cartoon about children in forced labour.