Mapping modern slavery in the context of the 2030 agenda: a scoping review protocol

Abstract

Modern slavery is one of the most serious violations of human rights and decent work, affecting around 50 million people worldwide. Despite international regulations and initiatives such as Agenda 2030, the phenomenon persists in multiple sectors, adapting to global economic dynamics. Understanding which approaches, concepts, and evidence have been produced on modern slavery in scientific literature, from the perspective of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), allows for the guidance of integrated policies, the strengthening of accountability mechanisms, and the identification of knowledge gaps. Method: This protocol describes the methodological design for conducting a scoping review that aims to systematically map the extent, nature, and gaps in scientific production on modern slavery in the context of the 2030 Agenda. The review will follow internationally recognized methodological recommendations and will be reported in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Searches will be conducted in multidisciplinary and specialized databases (Scopus, Web of Science, MEDLINE/PubMed, Academic Search Premier, and SocINDEX), supplemented by gray literature and institutional reports. Eligibility criteria will be defined using the PCC (Population, Concept, Context) framework. In addition, a bibliometric analysis will be performed to identify collaboration networks, research trends, and thematic clusters. Discussion: The expected result will provide insights and map academic production on modern slavery in the context of the SDGs, highlighting patterns, gaps, and regional disparities. Bibliometrics will enable the identification of research networks and key actors, providing input for public policies and future research agendas. Finally, the results will broaden the debate on sustainable development by showing how scientific literature has addressed the eradication of modern slavery, in particular target 8.7 and its connections with other goals