50 million people are enslaved today. You can help us free them and end the conditions that allow modern slavery to exist.

Photo Credit: Kay Chernush

Modern slavery is a result of social, cultural, and political conditions that make people vulnerable. Poverty, war and conflict, migration, lack of access to basic human rights, and many other related factors create conditions where the powerful have the opportunity to oppress and exploit the weak.

To end slavery, those most vulnerable to slavery must have the knowledge and resources they need to protect themselves and their communities.

To end modern slavery and the conditions that make people vulnerable we are:

Movement Building

We champion unified anti-slavery efforts. Our Freedom from Slavery Forum bolsters collaboration, while our survivor networks amplify the voices of people with lived experiences, ensuring impactful strategies and optimized resources. Together, we strengthen the fight against modern slavery.

Influencing Policymakers and Advocating for Change

We aim to reshape policies that enable slavery by urging governments and power structures to enact systemic changes and robust enforcement. Through our pivotal role in Alliance 8.7 and strategic collaborations with partners, we drive legal reforms from the international stage to local communities. Our efforts make it increasingly difficult for traffickers to operate.

Engaging Local Communities

We mobilize and empower at-risk communities through targeted training and connections to resources, fostering grassroots resistance against slavery. Our community-centric approach amplifies human and labor rights, thereby creating resilience against exploitation.

Continuous Learning

In response to the evolving challenges of modern slavery, Free the Slaves conducts in-depth research to guide the movement. Our analysis integrates both survivor experiences and academic methodologies, allowing us to continually refine and update our anti-slavery initiatives.

This Week at FTS

Field Visit Report: Exploring Institutional Collaboration on Human Trafficking and Forced Labor in Chile

Free the Slaves met with national stakeholders in Chile to explore new avenues for collaboration in the fight against human trafficking and forced labor. Through targeted training, a national seminar, and strategic discussions with government officials, this visit laid the groundwork for future partnerships to strengthen institutional capacity and advance anti-slavery efforts across the country.

Exploitation and Extraction: How Armed Groups are Fueling Modern Slavery in DRC’s Cocoa Sector

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s cocoa sector is growing—but so is the exploitation behind it. New research by Free the Slaves reveals how armed groups and corrupt actors are using violence, forced labor, and smuggling to control cocoa production in eastern DRC. As cocoa beans flow into global supply chains, the human cost remains hidden. This new report examines the links between modern slavery and illicit resource appropriation—and what governments, industry, and the international community must do to stop it.

The CLI – Ground Knowledge to Groundwork: Free the Slaves Trains Representatives from 3 NGOs to Combat Modern Slavery in Mexico

Free the Slaves, in partnership with local NGOs in Mexico, recently conducted an intensive five-day training on the Community Liberation Initiative (CLI) in Mexico City. This program equips frontline organizations with practical strategies to combat forced labor and child exploitation at the community level.

Participants engaged in hands-on exercises and real-world case studies to strengthen their understanding of human trafficking and develop tailored action plans for their communities. With a focus on mobilization, protection, legal frameworks, reintegration, and monitoring, the CLI model ensures that local efforts lead to sustainable, long-term impact in the fight against modern slavery.

Mauritania Takes a Stronger Stand Against Modern Slavery, Human Trafficking, and Migrant Smuggling

Slavery remains a pressing issue in Mauritania despite legal reforms over the years. In a significant move, the Mauritanian government has established a specialized court to prosecute cases of slavery, human trafficking, and migrant smuggling. This initiative aims to strengthen justice, enhance human rights protections, and ensure accountability. With growing national and international support, this step marks a critical moment in the fight against modern slavery.

From Victim to Survivor, to a Liberator

The journey from victim to survivor is one of resilience and courage—but for many, the journey doesn’t stop there. In India, members of Azad Shakti Abhiyan (ASA), a survivor-led collective, are using their lived experiences to lead the fight against modern slavery and human trafficking. With over 400 members working across the most affected districts of Uttar Pradesh, ASA is raising awareness, identifying cases, and ensuring survivors receive the support they need.

The Modern Slavery Glossary: Standardizing the Language of Freedom

Effective action against modern slavery requires more than just awareness—it demands precision. Misused or misunderstood terms can weaken policies, misdirect resources, and fail those most affected. The Modern Slavery Glossary, developed by Free the Slaves, is a vital resource designed to standardize the language used in advocacy, policy, and survivor engagement.

Through thousands of us working together…

People Freed from Slavery

People Educated to Prevent Slavery

Government Officials Trained

You can help us free the slaves, mobilize communities, care for survivors, and advocate for global action.

Header Photo Credit: Kay Chernush