Act Now: Support SB 861

SLAVERY IN SUPPLY CHAINS The problem: Slavery in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It’s the deadliest spot in the poorest continent on earth. Millions have died in the conflict between rebel militias and the national army. At stake: vast mineral wealth and control of slaves who are forced to work in and round the mines. […]
April 8, 2011

SLAVERY IN SUPPLY CHAINS

The problem: Slavery in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It’s the deadliest spot in the poorest continent on earth. Millions have died in the conflict between rebel militias and the national army. At stake: vast mineral wealth and control of slaves who are forced to work in and round the mines. Free the Slaves investigators have found at least seven different types of slavery around Congo mines—including sexual enslavement of children, debt bondage, child soldiering and forced labor.
Your connection to slavery in Congo: Tin, tungsten, tantalum and gold from Congo mines end up in our laptops, cell phones, batteries and jewelry. The products you use every day could have the sweat and blood of slaves at their source.
Now you know.
A California solution: Support the Blood Minerals law (SB 861) Recently, Congress signed the DRC Conflict Minerals law, a landmark piece of federal legislation that requires companies to report what they are doing to eliminate conflict from the minerals in their supply chains. Now, a new California bill is in the works that will make it illegal for California to contract with companies that don’t comply with the federal Conflict Minerals law. On April 12, SB 861 was passed by a committee of the California State Senate. Up next: the bill will be brought to the Fiscal Committee. Let’s make California the first Blood Mineral-free state in the country. Sign the petition to show your support for the enactment of SB 861.

PETITION:
Goal signature: 1,000


[[petition-1]]


Can you help end the conditions that cause modern slavery?

Related Posts

Exploitation and Extraction: How Armed Groups are Fueling Modern Slavery in DRC’s Cocoa Sector

Exploitation and Extraction: How Armed Groups are Fueling Modern Slavery in DRC’s Cocoa Sector

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s cocoa sector is growing—but so is the exploitation behind it. New research by Free the Slaves reveals how armed groups and corrupt actors are using violence, forced labor, and smuggling to control cocoa production in eastern DRC. As cocoa beans flow into global supply chains, the human cost remains hidden. This new report examines the links between modern slavery and illicit resource appropriation—and what governments, industry, and the international community must do to stop it.

read more
My Journey as a Survivor Leader

My Journey as a Survivor Leader

From surviving human trafficking to leading the fight against it, Bernadette Agano shares her powerful journey of transformation and advocacy. Through her work with Free the Slaves in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Bernadette has empowered fellow survivors, influenced policies, and helped build a national survivor network. Her story is a testament to resilience, solidarity, and the urgent need for action in the fight against modern slavery.

read more