Blog
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.
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.
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.
Get Involved
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.
Our Work
Strengthening Survivor Voices: Training with Survivor Groups in the Philippines
This initiative represents more than just empowerment; it is about creating leaders who can drive meaningful change in their communities and inspire others to join the fight against human trafficking. By focusing on survivor leadership, we are building a movement that is rooted in the experiences and voices of those who have lived through the horrors of trafficking, ensuring that their insights guide our collective efforts to end modern slavery.
New Insights on Dangerous Journeys: Updated Research Report on Migrant Smuggling and Human Trafficking
The updated report provides extensive evidence on the intersection between illegal migration and human trafficking across three legs of the journey: Djibouti and Somalia, Yemen, and the Gulf monarchies. This evidence is illustrated through detailed narratives and synthesized graphics that highlight the dynamics of exploitation and risk factors.
Are We Truly Listening and Moving Forward Together?
Hey there, fellow advocates and allies in the anti-trafficking movement! Today, let's dive into an important question: Are survivors' voices truly being heard? Recently, a groundbreaking research report from Free The Slaves and HAART Kenya brought survivors of human...
News
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...
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...
Integrating Anti-Trafficking Work into COVID-19 Medical Interventions
International development and humanitarian relief programs frequently work in areas where modern slavery flourishes. This connection has deepened as the COVID-19 global pandemic increases social and economic vulnerabilities to human trafficking. But in India, a...
Americas
Haiti Insecurity Could Increase Child Slavery
We are still in shock about Haiti. On July 7, we awoke to news that President Jovenel Moïse had been assassinated overnight. Major cities went into lockdown and a power vacuum has now worsened the political crisis with no clear path out. The parliament is...
Masks and Food Arrive in the Dominican Republic in Time for Christmas
Great news! Your generous contributions to our “Everyone Deserves a Mask” campaign earlier this year helped us deliver vital COVID-19 personal protective equipment and nutrition parcels in the Dominican Republic, just in time for Christmas. Our Dominican Republic...
Are You Financing Modern Slavery and Racial Inequality?
The things we buy are decisions we make about the world we want. With Black Friday, Cyber Monday and the holiday gift-giving season beginning soon, it’s important to reflect on how everyday purchases can unknowingly fuel modern slavery and the racial inequality it...
Asia
Training Transforms Survivors into Leaders in the Movement Against Modern Slavery
Survivors are now stepping into leadership positions, forming networks, and establishing organizations to lead the movement against trafficking and modern slavery. Both international and national organizations are playing a vital role in supporting these survivor networks through capacity-building and awareness-generation activities.
Strengthening Survivor Voices: Training with Survivor Groups in the Philippines
This initiative represents more than just empowerment; it is about creating leaders who can drive meaningful change in their communities and inspire others to join the fight against human trafficking. By focusing on survivor leadership, we are building a movement that is rooted in the experiences and voices of those who have lived through the horrors of trafficking, ensuring that their insights guide our collective efforts to end modern slavery.
Efforts to Protect India’s Migrant Workers from Trafficking and Exploitation
Many Indian migrants who seek employment abroad are forced into construction, domestic work, factories, and other low-skilled sectors in regions like the Gulf countries or Malaysia. This often follows recruitment during which migrants face fraud and exorbitant recruitment fees associated with high risks of debt bondage. Indian migrant workers, in Gulf countries report exploitation, particularly as a result of recruitment deception and recruitment debt, as well as non-payment of wages, contract violations, and physical abuse. Some women are exploited in sex trafficking while migrating for employment.
Africa
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.
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.