The fight against slavery cannot be won by one group working alone. It takes many organizations, governments and communities acting in unison to free the enslaved and protect the vulnerable.
The work of Free the Slaves is only possible because of your help! That’s why we invite you to stand against slavery by donating to our United for Freedom Campaign. Watch as we work our way to reaching the goal of $5,000. Get your friends involved! Tell them how you’re helping to end slavery. Ask them to stand with you.
Your donations allow Free the Slaves to partner with other groups to combat slavery at a community level. One of our partners is Beyond Borders, with whom we run the United to End Child Slavery program in Haiti. The focus is a specific kind of slavery known as restavek. It’s common practice in Haiti to send children to live with other families to receive an education, with the expectation that the child will carry out household duties in return. In many cases the rights of the child are forgotten and they are subjected to neglect and abuse.
Working together, Free the Slaves and Beyond Borders have created “The Children’s Protection Program” to engage Haitian communities in the fight against child slavery. “Child Protection Bridges” connect vulnerable children with protective services and reunite them with their families. “Model Communities” have formed to enable accelerated education for children in at-risk villages.
We have also partnered with several Congolese organizations to confront slavery in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. We’ve educated the public and the government on modern forms of slavery at mines and in forced marriages, and ways to prevent these forms of exploitation. In the DRC, we’ve used innovative techniques such as radio, mobile cinema and illustrated books to raise awareness.
Unity works. Following advocacy by Free the Slaves and our Haitian partners, the government enacted a tough new child trafficking law. About 27 percent of restavek children have been reunited with their families in Model Communities villages. In the Congo nearly 300 people have been liberated from slavery, more than 119,000 villagers have been educated about their rights, and nearly 20 community-based committees have been formed to slavery-proof their villages.
The United for Freedom Campaign is essential to continuing this work. If you live in Washington, you can contribute by joining us at D.C. United’s home soccer game Sept. 23. Purchase a game ticket directly from us! We will be hosting a pregame tailgate for dinner and a chance to win giveaway prizes!
Everyone deserves to live in freedom. Your contribution will make that happen for men, women and children across the globe.
