In a groundbreaking step for survivor leadership in Kenya, the Survivors Network Kenya (SNK) has launched its first Strategic Plan (2025–2027). Developed through a participatory, survivor-led process with support from Free the Slaves and the UK FCDO, the plan outlines a bold vision to end human trafficking and modern slavery—placing those with lived experience at the center of change.
Advocacy
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.
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.
My Journey as a Survivor Leader
From surviving human trafficking to leading the fight against it, Bernadette Agano shares her powerful journey of transformation and advocacy. Through her work with Free the Slaves in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Bernadette has empowered fellow survivors, influenced policies, and helped build a national survivor network. Her story is a testament to resilience, solidarity, and the urgent need for action in the fight against modern slavery.
Leading with Purpose: My Journey of Empowerment
From surviving human trafficking to becoming a leader and advocate, Fauziah Wanjiru’s journey is one of resilience, transformation, and purpose. Through her work with Free the Slaves and the Survivor Network Kenya, Fauziah has amplified the voices of survivors, influenced national policies, and empowered others to reclaim their freedom. Her story is a powerful testament to the impact of survivor leadership in the fight against modern slavery.
My Journey of Empowerment: From Survivor to Leader
At Free the Slaves, we believe that survivors of modern slavery are not just part of the solution—they are the heart of it. When survivors are given the tools, support, and opportunities to lead, they can transform not only their own lives but also the lives of others.
Today, we’re sharing the story of Eileen Beryl Oginga, a survivor whose journey from victim to leader demonstrates the power of survivor-centered solutions. With courage, resilience, and the support of Free the Slaves, Eileen has become a champion for change, inspiring hope and action in the fight against modern slavery.
Breaking Chains: Kenya Becomes a Pathfinder Country in the Global Fight Against Exploitation
On December 6, 2024, Kenya unveiled a groundbreaking roadmap to combat child labor, forced labor, human trafficking, and modern slavery. Presented at the 19th Global Coordinating Group meeting in Turin, Italy, this strategy establishes Kenya as a Pathfinder Country under the Alliance 8.7 framework, highlighting its commitment to human rights and survivor-centered solutions.
Empowering Students to Combat Modern Slavery with Xavier University
Free the Slaves partnered with Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan’s National Service Training Program to educate over 110 students on modern slavery. Through workshops, students explored actionable solutions, such as leveraging social media and participating in local discussions, to fight human trafficking. This initiative highlights the pivotal role of youth in creating a world free from exploitation.
Modern Slavery in Bangladesh: Alliance 8.7 and the Accountability Framework
Modern slavery remains a critical issue in Bangladesh, taking forms such as child labor, bonded labor, and human trafficking. A recent webinar, hosted by Free the Slaves, CWCS, and the Alliance 8.7 Secretariat, explored the country’s challenges and progress in eradicating forced labor. Featuring insights on Bangladesh’s current efforts, the benefits of Alliance 8.7 membership, and the role of the accountability framework, the event highlighted the urgent need for collaboration to achieve a slavery-free future.
Challenges on the Road to SDG Target 8.7
In 2023, a Filipino man seeking legal work was deceived into forced labor by a crime syndicate, highlighting a growing crisis: modern slavery. Despite global commitments like SDG Target 8.7, 50 million people remain trapped in exploitation, fueled by factors such as digital technology misuse, climate change vulnerabilities, and illicit financial systems. Tackling these interconnected challenges requires bold action, collaboration, and innovative solutions. Together, we can disrupt the systems enabling modern slavery and create a future where freedom is a reality for all.
A Call to Action: How Stakeholders Can Drive Alliance 8.7’s Mission Forward
Imagine a world without forced labor or child exploitation. For some, it’s a moral imperative; for others, it feels like a distant dream. Alliance 8.7 refuses to see it as unattainable. This global partnership accelerates progress toward ending forced labor and child exploitation through collaboration between governments, businesses, NGOs, and survivors. By championing accountability, transparency, and survivor-led change, these stakeholders unite to turn intention into action. Together, they illuminate the path toward a future where justice and freedom are universal rights.
Celebrating the Launch of the Survivors Network Kenya: A Milestone in Survivor Leadership
The launch of the Survivors Network Kenya (SNK) marks a significant milestone in survivor-led advocacy against human trafficking. Supported by Free the Slaves, SNK is the first survivor network officially recognized by the Kenyan government, empowering survivors to lead in policy engagement and systemic change across Kenya.
Harnessing Collective Power: Reflections from the Survivor Alliance World Congress
At the Survivor Alliance World Congress in Nairobi, survivor leaders and allies came together to amplify the power of collective action against human trafficking. Read how Free the Slaves is deepening its commitment to survivor-led change and building stronger, global partnerships.
Advancing Survivor Leadership in the Fight Against Modern Slavery
Our approach to survivor engagement is rooted in collaboration, demonstrating the power of collective action in the fight against modern slavery. By creating spaces where survivors can lead and advocate for their rights, we not only empower individuals but also strengthen global efforts to end modern slavery.
Paving the Way for a Slavery-Free Kenya
By addressing the root causes of modern slavery and promoting justice and human rights for all, we aim to create a future where exploitation has no place. The collaborative and inclusive strategies being developed have the power to make significant strides towards ending modern slavery in Kenya.
UN Security Council Research
On Tuesday, June 4th, Free the Slaves and the University of Nottingham Rights Lab launched their joint report, “Modern Slavery and the United Nations Security Council” at the Church Center for the United Nations in New York, New York. This exciting event began at 2 PM...
Empowering Partnerships: Free the Slaves Impact in East and Central Africa
In the fight against modern slavery, collaboration is paramount. Nowhere is this more evident than in the efforts of Free the Slaves in East and Central Africa, where partnerships between civil society organizations and the government are paving the way for impactful...
Survivors and Organizations Engaging Together Against Human Trafficking
Last year, Free the Slaves (FTS) and Awareness Against Human Trafficking (HAART) initiated a research project on survivor engagement in Eastern and Central Africa. Moving from the consideration that the engagement of survivors in the anti-trafficking movement still...
Survivor Advocacy Training in Democratic Republic of Congo
Bukeni Waruzi, Executive Director of Free the Slaves, recently conducted a critical training session with survivors of forced labor, modern slavery, sex trafficking, and child labor in Kinshasa, the national capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The...
Apply to Join the Alliance 8.7 Global Coordinating Group
Alliance 8.7, a global partnership aimed at achieving Target 8.7 of the Sustainable Development Goals, is actively searching for a CSO to fill a vacant seat in its Global Coordinating Group (GCG) specifically to represent human trafficking issues.
Freedom from Slavery Forum Ambassadorship
My name is Grace Kalekye, and I am a passionate advocate against Human Trafficking and Modern-Day Slavery. In 2022, I had the honor of being elected as the most impactful Survivor Advocate by the Elkes Impact Award and Free the Slaves. I was recognized for exposing...
Alliance 8.7 and Accountability Framework Webinar Report
Alliance 8.7 and Accountability Framework Webinar Report On 15 June 2023, Free the Slaves and the Alliance 8.7 secretariat in Nepal hosted a webinar to increase awareness of Alliance 8.7, the Pathfinder countries, and the accountability framework. The target audience...
FTS and Partners Urge G7 to Take Action Against Forced Labor in Supply Chains
On June 13, 2022, Free the Slaves joined 20 civil society organizations, survivors, and academics in urging the G7 to adopt new measures in ensuring forced labor is eradicated from the global supply chain. The leaders of these prosperous countries have the resources...
Free the Slaves Partners with Three New Organizations in Vietnam
Free the Slaves is excited to announce our new partnerships in Vietnam. These partnerships will allow us to understand more about the country and its need to have more players in the human trafficking space. These partnership endeavors are essential for developing...
Free the Slaves Partners with Three Filipino Organizations
Free the Slaves is excited to announce new partnerships with local organizations in the Philippines. These partnerships will allow us better to understand the context of slavery in the Philippines and strengthen our efforts to combat it. We partner with the Balaod...
Migration Vigilance Committees
Free the Slaves along with our partner organizations MSEMVS and Verite are running The Safe Migration to GCC program in the Mirzapur and Bhadohi districts of Uttar Pradesh. To learn more about the safe migration guide click here. If you’re interested in learning about...
Inaugural Elkes Impact Award Winners Announced
The Elkes Impact Awards were established in recognition of the tremendous work local advocate survivors and civil society organizations are doing in their communities. Local survivors and organizations too often do not receive widespread acknowledgment of their work,...
2021 Regional Forums Initiative Concludes
It’s been a busy past three months! The Freedom from Slavery Forum held three regional events focusing on Latin America, the Middle East and North Africa, and the combined regions of North America, Europe, and the Caribbean. This concluded the series of 2021 regional...
Omicron Variant Postpones Annual Freedom from Slavery Forum
Due to the sharp rise in cases and uncertainty associated with the Omicron variant of the COVID-19 virus, Free the Slaves is announcing the postponement of the global Freedom from Slavery Forum in Marrakesh, Morocco. The Forum, scheduled for December 5-8, would have...
The Elkes Impact Awards: First Edition 2021
Nominations are now being accepted for the best local advocate survivor and the most impactful local organization in combating modern slavery in their local communities. Nominations are due by November 10, 2021. Dan Elkes is a visionary leader who established the...
Understanding the Modern Slavery Landscape of the Middle East and North Africa
Women, children, migrants, refugees, and other minorities are especially vulnerable to human rights violations in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). This vulnerability is magnified by a wide range of factors, including economic instability, conflict, climate...
Fair Food: Who Picked Your Produce?
Editor’s Note: This guest blog from a Free the Slaves advocacy partner in the Alliance to End Slavery and Trafficking highlights how a key program to fight modern slavery in American agriculture has moved from a theory of change to a proven solution. The Coalition of...
Freedom from Slavery Forum Focuses on Asia
Anti-slavery movement leaders across Asia convened virtually via Zoom in August at the first-ever Freedom from Slavery Forum - Asia to discuss issues most pertinent to the continent and set priorities for next year around the theme of “Resilience and Resistance to...
FTS & Anti-trafficking Leaders Ask G7 Ministers to Increase Efforts Against Modern Slavery
Free the Slaves Executive Director Bukeni Waruzi and 33 other anti-trafficking leaders are asking the Group of Seven industrialized nations to step-up and coordinate action against forced labor worldwide. Earlier this year at the G7 Summit in the U.K., world leaders...
Cutting the Long-term Costs of COVID-19: Building Resilience Against Exploitation in Senegal and Kenya
To date, the cost of the global COVID-19 pandemic has most frequently been measured in lives lost and the cost to domestic economies, while triumphs have often been charted in terms of vaccine roll-outs and partial or full returns to the ‘freedoms’ outside lockdown. ...
Kenya Runner’s Tips for Immigrants on Avoiding U.S. Traffickers
Editor’s note: With the Olympics focusing on track and field events last week, we are privileged to share a survivor’s story about how human trafficking can happen to anyone, even a professional athlete. My name is Moninda Marube and I am a Kenyan national currently...
Freedom from Slavery Forum Begins Regional Convenings
The Freedom from Slavery Forum is pioneering new ground this year as the anti-slavery movement’s premiere thought-leadership convening. For the past eight years, the Forum has been a collegial space for anti-slavery leaders from around the world to coalesce, create...
Joint Statement and Call to Action on the Crisis in Haiti
In response to the crisis in Haiti, which has deepened in the wake of the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, we, the undersigned individuals and organizations, express our condolences and sympathy to all of the Haitian families that have lost a loved one to the...
FTS Joins Global Push to End Child Labor
Saturday, June 12 is the U.N. World Day Against Child Labor, and this year takes on special importaance because 2021 is the International Year for the Elimination of Child Labor. Organizations around the globe, including Free the Slaves, have pledged to create special...
ATEST Briefs Congress on Opportunities for Action
Members of the Alliance to End Slavery and Trafficking (ATEST), including FTS Board Member Evelyn Chumbow, and leaders from the Congressional Human Trafficking Caucus and the Senate Caucus to End Human Trafficking gathered this week for a virtual briefing and...
Webinar Recording: Ending Modern Slavery in Our Communities
What are the differences between historical slavery and slavery today? What are the key dates and accomplishments in the history of the abolition movement? How can you take action to make communities slavery free? Find out in our newest webinar recording: “Building...
New Video for Passover Zoom Seders
Unable to safely gather in person in large numbers, many of us will turn to Zoom and other digital platforms for Passover Seders. The Free the Slaves Passover Project has produced a unique video to help deepen the experience of this year’s online and hybrid...
Celebrating Women of Free the Slaves
For more than 100 years, International Women's Day has put a spotlight onto issues affecting women around the world. Today, International Women's Day belongs to everyone who believes that women's rights are human rights. We Asked some of Free the Slaves’ leading...
Learning About Slavery is the First Step to Ending It
January is Slavery and Trafficking Prevention Month in the U.S. It's an important opportunity to learn why slavery still exists, what can be done to end it, and how you can help. Thanks to the Lowenstein Sandler law firm, there's a one-hour video that will help you...
Leave No One Behind on Human Rights Day
It’s Human Rights Day, when the world commemorates the U.N. Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which includes the right to be free from slavery. Human rights are supposed to apply to everyone, everywhere, without regard to sex or race or age. But in Ghana, three...
Why We Produced Free the Slaves’ Untold Story
522 Productions is proud to assist Free the Slaves as the winner of the #untoldstory nonprofit video contest, launched in July 2019. 522 Productions is an award-winning video production company committed to driving social change through the videos we create. As we...
Free the Slaves and the Rights Lab Form New Partnership to Combat Modern Slavery
On this International Day for the Abolition of Slavery, two of the world’s leading antislavery institutions are proud to announce a new partnership to merge research, community activism and global advocacy. Free the Slaves, headquartered in the U.S., and the Rights...
2020 Freedom from Slavery Forum Report and Recordings Now Available
The Freedom from Slavery Forum 2020 Advisory Committee would like to express thanks to everyone who participated in this year’s virtual convening, “Opportunities in an Age of Adaptation.” This year’s gathering in late October was a remarkable success. Across four days...
Can You Help Promote Safe Labor Migration?
What happens when the promise of a better tomorrow suddenly becomes a nightmare? The transatlantic slave trade was the largest forced migration in history. For more than four centuries, Africans were kidnapped, sold to slave traders, and forced onto slave ships...
ATEST Calls for Catalytic Investment to Fight Human Trafficking in Recommendations to Biden Transition Team
The Alliance to End Slavery and Trafficking (ATEST) stressed the need for a whole-of-government approach to combat human trafficking inside the U.S. and around the world in comprehensive recommendations to the incoming administration of President-elect Joe Biden....