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.
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
Free the Slaves’ Active Engagement in Key Regional Events In Asia
In July and August 2024, Free the Slaves participated in regional anti-slavery discussions in Asia, participating in key events focused on combating human trafficking and child exploitation. These events focused around collaboration and knowledge-sharing, addressing modern slavery in some of the most vulnerable regions of the world.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
Africa
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.
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.