Advocacy

From Pain to Power: Survivors Network Kenya Launches Bold Strategic Plan to End Human Trafficking

From Pain to Power: Survivors Network Kenya Launches Bold Strategic Plan to End Human Trafficking

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.

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

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.

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The Modern Slavery Glossary: Standardizing the Language of Freedom

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.

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My Journey as a Survivor Leader

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.

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Leading with Purpose: My Journey of Empowerment

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.

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My Journey of Empowerment: From Survivor to Leader

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.

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Breaking Chains: Kenya Becomes a Pathfinder Country in the Global Fight Against Exploitation

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.

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Empowering Students to Combat Modern Slavery with Xavier University

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.

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Modern Slavery in Bangladesh: Alliance 8.7 and the Accountability Framework

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.

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Challenges on the Road to SDG Target 8.7

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.

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A Call to Action: How Stakeholders Can Drive Alliance 8.7’s Mission Forward

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.

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Paving the Way for a Slavery-Free Kenya

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.

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UN Security Council Research

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...

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Freedom from Slavery Forum Ambassadorship

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...

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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...

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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,...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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