Speak free

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Friday June 25, 2021

Our message to Congress to abolish slavery

Freedom United joins a national coalition launching the #EndTheException campaign fighting to abolish constitutional slavery and involuntary servitude in all forms, for all people. Together with over 70 national organizations, we sent a joint letter to Congress, addressed to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, endorsing the recently introduced Abolition Amendment and urging immediate passage. The joint resolution (SJ Res 21, HJ Res 53) which reads, “Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude may be imposed as punishment for a crime,” was introduced

Forced Labor

Tuesday June 22, 2021

Ending slavery in the 13th Amendment

Ahead of Juneteenth, Merkley, Williams Propose Constitutional Amendment to Close Slavery Loophole in 13th Amendment Indisputably racist exception permitting slavery as punishment for crime has fueled systemic racism in criminal justice for over 150 years Washington, D.C. June 18 – Oregon’s U.S. Senator Jeff Merkley and Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) have introduced the Abolition Amendment, which would strike the ‘Slavery Clause’ of the 13th Amendment that allows slavery to continue in the United States. Congress passed legislation to establish Juneteenth as a federal

Migrant domestic workers demand an end to kafala system in Lebanon

Other slavery

Thursday May 20, 2021

Migrant domestic workers demand an end to kafala system in Lebanon

“Employers literally control our freedom. Many of them are abusive with no one holding them accountable.” – Tsigereda Brihanu is a former domestic worker and activist Undeterred by the worsening economic crisis in Lebanon, migrant domestic workers continue to unite and campaign for an end to the exploitative kafala system in the country that traps these workers in exploitation, abuse and domestic servitude. The effects of COVID-19 and a collapsing local currency is only increasing the urgent need for migrant domestic workers to be afforded their rights in line with international

Banner that reads "sex workers' rights are human rights"

Law & Policy

Thursday May 13, 2021

Freedom United voices concerns over Ontario’s Anti-Trafficking Bill 251

Freedom United is concerned about Bill 251, the Combating Human Trafficking Act 2021, currently being proposed in Ontario, Canada. Below is our submission to the government. May 13, 2021 Dear Legislative Assembly of Ontario, On behalf of Freedom United, an international anti-trafficking NGO home to the world’s largest anti-slavery community, I am writing to the Ontario government to voice our concerns about Bill 251, Combating Human Trafficking Act 2021 in its current form. While addressing human trafficking and supporting trafficking survivors in Ontario are indeed

Supply Chain

Wednesday May 12, 2021

Winning a campaign before it even begins – the power of preemptive persuasion

We have just made an impact even before our supporters had a chance to get involved! More often than not, campaigning is the only way to effect behavioral change. Ultimately, however, we hope to also change values so that the need for campaigns disappears altogether. And we're seeing it in action! Our movement fighting modern slavery is growing and conveys so much power that sometimes just the thought of a campaign is enough to make change happen. Here's a peek at an example of a campaign we were ready to launch but didn't have to, thanks to the strength of our community. The Wayfair