Blog
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.
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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.
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...
Our Work
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 Barangay Culiat to Combat Child Labor in the Philippines
Empowering Barangay Culiat to Combat Child Labor in the Philippines Modern slavery is an insidious reality that continues to affect millions worldwide, manifesting through forced labor, human trafficking, and the exploitation of children. In the Philippines, these...
Survivors and Organizations Working Together Against Human Trafficking: Insights from East and Central Africa
People who have been directly affected by a certain issue are the ones who best know its root causes, consequences, implications, and dynamics. They are also the ones who best know what the solutions to that issue may be. In virtue of their unique knowledge through...
News
How FTS Supports Survivors in Coping with COVID-19 Lockdowns in Vietnam
Free the Slaves has recently partnered with HopeBox, a social enterprise in Hanoi, Vietnam that operates on a mission to empower women who are victims of abuse and modern slavery. With a shared mission to empower survivors of modern slavery in Vietnam, FTS is...
Preparing Indians for Safe Post-Pandemic Migration
Migrating for work has always been a risk. Unscrupulous traffickers posing as legitimate labor recruiters trick millions of people into chasing a dream of well-paid jobs. But too often, what awaits them is exploitation and misery. As travel restrictions ease around...
FTS Distributes Humanitarian Aid in India as COVID-19 Crisis Deepens
The second wave of the deadly coronavirus is wreaking havoc in rural areas of India. The rural population is facing severe economic distress due to lockdowns and the pandemic. Free the Slaves and our partners in India are organizing several drives in affected rural...
Americas
Stand Against Anti-Haitian Racism
For more than 150 years Haiti and the Dominican Republic have shared the island of Hispaniola. Their relationship, however, has not been pleasant. Sadly, this antagonism has led to the creation of racially biased policies against Haitians in the Dominican territory. ...
Haiti Government Pledges Financial Support to Fight Child Trafficking
Haiti’s National Committee to Combat Trafficking in Persons will have the financial capacity to carry out its ambitious agenda, thanks to a commitment by the government to provide 20 million Haitian gourdes (about $185,000 USD) in financial support. It’s the first...
Situation Update: Dominican Republic
The COVID-19 state of emergency and curfew continues in the Dominican Republic as the contagion spreads. Hospitals are full. Government aid has not reached impoverished communities where Free the Slaves works because of discrimination toward residents of Haitian...
Asia
Modern Slavery in Nepal
Free the Slaves, along with the Alliance Against Trafficking of Women and Children in Nepal (AATWIN) and the Shanti Foundation, have worked on putting together a fact sheet on ‘Modern Slavery in Nepal’ for easy and handy availability of information on modern slavery....
Strengthening Migration Processes through Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue
Navigating the intricate landscape of global labor migration, particularly the India-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) migration corridor, where the pursuit of economic opportunities often intertwines with the risk of exploitation, has become a pressing concern. As new...
Empowering Barangay Culiat to Combat Child Labor in the Philippines
Empowering Barangay Culiat to Combat Child Labor in the Philippines Modern slavery is an insidious reality that continues to affect millions worldwide, manifesting through forced labor, human trafficking, and the exploitation of children. In the Philippines, these...
Africa
Strengthening the Fight Against Modern Slavery in Mauritania
In September 2024, Free the Slaves partnered with ALCD to host a two-day forum in Mauritania, bringing together government officials, civil society organizations, and community leaders to combat modern slavery. The forum provided a platform to analyze current legislation, identify challenges, and share best practices for eradicating forced labor, human trafficking, and child exploitation. With key insights from local campaigns and workshops, participants crafted actionable recommendations to strengthen regional efforts and address the root causes of modern slavery.
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.
Harsh Realities of Forced Labor and Child Labor in West Africa’s Cocoa Industry
The newly released reports on Nigeria and Ghana offer an in-depth examination of how forced labor and child labor continue to underpin cocoa production in these countries. Despite being among the top cocoa producers globally, Nigeria and Ghana have long struggled with the dark side of this industry.