Blog
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.
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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.
Our Work
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.
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.
News
Free the Slaves Welcomes New Board Members
Free the Slaves is grateful to welcome Fanta Toure-Puri and Moninda Marube to our board of directors.
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...
FTS Executive Director Expresses Support for Panagtapok 2022
There is power in the collaboration and action of dedicated leaders to address societal issues. This was clearly achieved when more than 200 leaders from the Philippines gathered together in the Panagtapok 2022 (which translates to 'a gathering' in English). The event...
Americas
The Fight Against Human Trafficking: The Pursuit of Justice in the Dominican Republic
The Fight Against Human Trafficking and the Pursuit of Justice in the Dominican Republic. In the lush landscapes of the Dominican Republic (DR), a country celebrated for its beautiful beaches and vibrant culture, lies an insidious issue that casts a dark shadow: human...
Hope Amid Crisis in Haiti
You have probably seen in the news that Haiti is facing a crisis with multiple layers: political instability, a natural disaster, economic uncertainty, food shortages, and kidnappings for ransom. The president was assassinated, a 7.2 earthquake killed more than 2,000...
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...
Asia
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.
Implications of the Pact for the Future on Anti-Trafficking Efforts in the Philippines
The 79th UN General Assembly introduced pivotal frameworks like the Pact for the Future and the Global Digital Compact—a call for nations to combat modern slavery and human trafficking through innovation, collaboration, and digital solutions. As a leader in the fight against trafficking, the Philippines is poised to leverage this global momentum, strengthen survivor-centered policies, and harness technology to protect vulnerable populations. Explore how the Philippines can adapt to these commitments and create sustainable change.
Modern Slavery in the Philippines: A Closer Look
Despite significant progress in anti-trafficking efforts, modern slavery continues to impact an estimated 859,000 people in the Philippines. Vulnerable groups, including migrants, children, and women, face exploitation in forced labor, sex trafficking, online abuse, and hazardous industries. While the Philippines has retained Tier 1 status in the 2024 Trafficking in Persons Report, systemic challenges like corruption and insufficient victim screening hinder further advancements. This blog explores the forms of modern slavery affecting the country and outlines actionable steps to strengthen protections and support survivors.
Africa
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.
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.
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.