Congo

20 Years of Fighting for Freedom

The year 2020 brings several important anniversaries. It’s the 20th anniversary of the United Nations Palermo Protocol, the landmark treaty to confront modern forms of slavery worldwide. It’s the 20th anniversary of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act, the...

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Thankful That We All Value Freedom

As the new executive director at Free the Slaves, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on the values that motivate me in the historic struggle to end slavery forever. They are values that drive all efforts to foster social justice. I am certain they are things that...

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Teen Girls Rescued by Radio in Congo

Advertising can be a powerful force – for good or bad. A recent FTS rescue in the Democratic Republic of the Congo proves the point.   Three teen girls from the village of Nobili thought they were being hired to be waitresses. Instead, they were quickly forced into...

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Rejecting Racism, Strengthening our Bonds

Every day, the staff of Free the Slaves works in solidarity with local partners and communities to help bring about a more just world. We do so in Haiti, in several countries in Africa, and in Asia. Every day, our staff manifests tremendous dedication and skill. Every...

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From Slavery to Dressmaking Trainer in the Congo

“My story is hard to tell,” says Benita Furaha, a trainer at a dressmaking training center in Rubaya, Democratic Republic of the Congo. Benita’s parents died when she was 13. Her older brother threatened to starve her or to send her out of the house if she couldn’t...

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Building a United Front to End Slavery

The fight against slavery cannot be won by one group working alone. It takes many organizations, governments and communities acting in unison to free the enslaved and protect the vulnerable. The work of Free the Slaves is only possible because of your help! That’s why...

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Religious Leaders Vow to Fight Congo Slavery

Seventeen religious leaders from different faiths agreed they’ll take action with their congregations to confront modern slavery, following an in-depth workshop with Free the Slaves and our Congolese partner organizations in Goma earlier this month.The training...

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The Economics of Freedom in the Congo

Economic freedom is vital for trafficking survivors. If a person liberated from slavery cannot earn a living, they are vulnerable to becoming enslaved again. That’s why Free the Slaves and our front-line partner organizations help provide skills training and...

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On the Front Lines of Slavery in Congo

Under the lush green hills and red clay that surround Lubono village, lies gold. It’s the centerpiece of the local economy. Much of the mining here is carried out by what are called “artisanal” miners. This term masks the incredibly difficult and dangerous work in...

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Peace in Congo is Opportunity to Combat Slavery

This year brings a remarkable opportunity to a country that has been gripped by conflict for decades. With the M23 rebels vanquished, slavery can become a new focus for building lasting peace and prosperity for all in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo...

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New Video: What Does Slavery Look Like Today?

It’s an ancient abuse. But it persists throughout the world today. Slavery remains one of the greatest human rights challenges of history. Modern-day slavery looks different than the sailing ships and shackles we learned about in high school history class. Today, it’s...

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FTS Country Directors Brief U.S. State Dept.

It isn’t often that all five FTS country directors are in the same place at the same time. But it happened last week in Washington, as our overseas staff briefed the U.S. State Department’s "J/TIP" anti-trafficking team. The presentation was called “Innovations on the...

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Crisis Unfolding in Congo

It isn’t on America’s front pages, but there’s a dangerous situation unfolding at this moment in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Rebel troops have captured the regional capital of Goma – a city of roughly one million people and the regional base of operations...

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U.S. Industry Joins War on Congo Slavery

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) yesterday approved a new rule that requires companies to investigate their supply chains and disclose if their products contain minerals from conflict areas in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) or surrounding...

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All Eyes on SEC Today

This could become an important day in the history of the modern abolition movement. The U.S.  Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is set to vote on new rules to require companies to investigate their supply chains and disclose if their products contain minerals...

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8/22/12: A Date That Might Go Down in History

It’s taken a while, but the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has set a date to vote on rules that could require many companies to disclose if their products include slavery-tainted raw materials. The well-known Dodd-Frank financial reform act got this...

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