Blog
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.
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.
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.
Get Involved
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.
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...
Our Work
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...
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...
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
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.
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....
Africa
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.
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.