Blog

The Free the Slaves Blog provides a platform for dialogue about how slavery affects communities around the world—and what can be done to eliminate it.
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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Modern Slavery in the Philippines: A Closer Look

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.

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Get Involved

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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Our Work

Strengthening Survivor Voices: Training with Survivor Groups in the Philippines

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.

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Are We Truly Listening and Moving Forward Together?

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...

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News

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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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...

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Asia

Community Safe Migration & Migrant Worker Protection Webinar

Community Safe Migration & Migrant Worker Protection Webinar

In September 2024, Free the Slaves and Verité hosted a webinar to share findings and lessons from the 19-month Fostering Fee Accountability and Cost Tracking (FFACT) Project, which tackled the complex issue of unsafe migration in South Asia. This event brought together 38 participants from India, Nepal, and Bangladesh to discuss solutions to safeguard migrant workers. The webinar also marked the first steps towards establishing a regional network for international migrants, set to launch in early 2025.

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Strengthening Survivor Voices: Training with Survivor Groups in the Philippines

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.

read more

Africa

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.

read more