Final answer:
The estimated number of human trafficking victims worldwide is approximately 40 million, including millions of children in child labor. This issue encompasses a range of exploitative practices and affects all regions, including developed nations like the United States.
Step-by-step explanation:
The estimated number of human trafficking victims worldwide is approximately C) 40 million. This encompasses a broad range of exploitative practices including forced labor, sexual exploitation, and other forms of modern slavery. Manufacturers have been historically known for seeking cheap or unpaid labor, and nowadays, there are an estimated 28 million slave laborers, most of whom are women and girls.
Additionally, child labor is a significant component of this issue. At the beginning of 2020, it was reported that 1 in 10 children worldwide were in child labor, totaling 160 million children, with 70% of them working in agriculture. An estimated 8.9 million additional children were expected to enter into the workforce by the end of 2022.
While many think that developed countries like the United States are immune to such atrocities, human trafficking does occur in the US and is a pressing issue that requires awareness and action. Understanding the global scope of this issue is critical for addressing it effectively.