The FTS Blog provides a platform for dialogue about how slavery affects communities around the world—and what can be done to eliminate it.
Jisika Jean Claude was only 10 when her father sent her away to live with another family. She thought she would go to school, but was forced instead to do chores, iron and wash clothes, and care for other children as a household servant. It was not the life she was promised. She had become a Haitian restavèk child slave.
“My life would be different today if I was not in restavèk,” she says. “I wanted to be a doctor but read more >
Good news today from the U.S. State Department. Both Haiti and Senegal have been removed from the Tier Two Watch List in the annual Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report, an indication that the governments of both countries are increasing their efforts to combat human trafficking.
Each year the U.S. rates the anti-trafficking effectiveness of all countries, placing nations on either Tier 1 (meets minimum anti-trafficking standards), Tier 2 (doesn’t meet standards but trying) Tier 3 (doesn’t meet read more >
The holiday of Passover has a foundational premise, based in biblical narrative and law: those who suffer enslavement have a unique insight and responsibility to help the vulnerable. As Exodus 23:9 declares: “Do not oppress the stranger, for you know the soul of a stranger, having been strangers in the land of Egypt.”
To honor the experience and leadership of former slaves, the Passover Project will dedicate all funds raised during the 2019 campaign to ending child slavery in Haiti through read more >
The U.S. State Department says many African governments are doing a better job combating modern slavery. More than a dozen African nations received upgrades in the annual Trafficking in Persons Report (TIP).
The upgrades include Ghana, where Free the Slaves has helped lead a comprehensive program to strengthen communities and government agencies.
“We saw some positive movements across entire regions,” said U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo while releasing the report in Washington Thursday. “Of the 48 African read more >
As I visit our grassroots anti-trafficking programs around the world this year, I want to share my field notes with you directly from the front lines. With each new visit, my optimism grows. The courageous activists that you support are spreading freedom in places where many had lost hope.
This week I’m in Haiti, where a complex combination of poverty, lack of schools, gender bias and attitudes about child rights leads parents to send children far from home to live with other families in exchange for household work. Often, read more >
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 day, our partners do the hard work of serving, with great integrity, communities in need.
Every day, the people in those communities exhibit courage, decency and care. These are read more >
Have you purchased your ticket to join Free the Slaves at our annual United for Freedom Campaign event? Come watch D.C. United play the San Jose Earthquakes Saturday, Sept. 23 at RFK Stadium! We have organized a terrific pregame tailgate starting at 4:30 p.m., where you can talk with FTS staff, win giveaways valued at over $1200, enjoy food provided by Buffalo Wild Wings, and have some fun playing lawn games.
The fight against slavery read more >
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 we invite you to stand against slavery by donating to our United for Freedom Campaign. Watch as we work our way to reaching the goal of $5,000. Get your friends involved! Tell them read more >
Hurricane Irma continues to move towards Haiti as a Category 5 storm. Puerto Rico is already feeling the effects, with 15 -20 foot storm surges expected in some coastal communities. It is being described as the strongest Atlantic hurricane in history, with winds measured at 185 mph. Haiti landfall could happen Thursday morning.
Hurricane warnings have been issued by NOAA for the North departments of Haiti, and tropical storm level warnings for the Center, Artibonite and West departments. The Haitian government read more >
U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson says the 2017 Trafficking in Persons Report illustrates “the commitment of our country that we have this joint effort underway across the entire United States government” to combat modern slavery. “Human trafficking is as old as humankind, regrettably” Tillerson said. “It is our hope that the 21st century will be the last century of human trafficking, and that is what we are all committed to.”
Tillerson’s comments came as he unveiled the read more >
Many businesses will match your contributions or allow you to make tax-exempt contributions directly from your paycheck. Call 202.580.7668 or email narit.gessler@freetheslaves.net for help. Free the Slaves has been approved by the Combined Federal Campaign for U.S. government employees. The number is 11482.
A copy of Free the Slaves financial statements may be obtained by contacting us at: (202) 775-7480 or 1320 19th St NW # 600, Washington, DC 20036.
Residents of the following states may obtain a copy of our financial and additional information as stated below:
Colorado: Colorado residents may obtain copies of registration and financial documents from the office of the Secretary of State, 303-894-2860, www.sos.state.co.us/ re: Reg.No 20163039484.
Florida: A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR FREE THE SLAVES, (REGISTRATION NO. CH43520), MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING 800-435-7352 OR VISITING THEIR WEBSITE WWW.FRESHFROMFLORIDA.COM. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.
Georgia: A full and fair description of the programs and financial statement summary of Free the Slaves is available upon request at the office and phone number indicated above.
Illinois: Contracts and reports regarding Free the Slaves, Inc. are on file with the Illinois Attorney General.
Maryland: Documents and information submitted under the Maryland Solicitations Act are also available, for the cost of postage and copies, from the Secretary of State, State House, Annapolis, MD 21401 (410-974-5534).
Michigan: MICS No. 57944.
Mississippi: The official registration and financial information of Free the Slaves may be obtained from the Mississippi Secretary of State’s office by calling 888-236-6167. Registration by the Secretary of State does not imply endorsement.
New Jersey: INFORMATION FILED WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL CONCERNING THIS CHARITABLE SOLICITATION AND THE PERCENTAGE OF CONTRIBUTIONS RECEIVED BY THE CHARITY DURING THE LAST REPORTING PERIOD THAT WERE DEDICATED TO THE CHARITABLE PURPOSE MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE ATTORNEY GENERAL OF THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY BY CALLING 973-504-6215 AND IS AVAILABLE ON THE INTERNET AT http://www.state.nj.us/lps/ca/charity/chardir.htm. REGISTRATION WITH THE ATTORNEY GENERAL DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT.
New York: Upon request, a copy of the latest annual report can be obtained from the organization or from the Office of the Attorney General by writing to the Charities Bureau at 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271.
North Carolina: Financial information about this organization and a copy of its license are available from the State Solicitation Licensing Branch at 888- 830-4989 or 919-807-2214. The license is not an endorsement by the State.
Pennsylvania: The official registration and financial information of Free the Slaves may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling 800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.
Virginia: Financial statements are available from the, Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, P.O. Box 1163, Richmond, VA 23218.
Washington: Free the Slaves is registered with Washington State’s Charities Program as required by law and additional information is available by calling 800-332-4483 or visiting www.sos.wa.gov/charities, or on file at Charities Division, Office of the Secretary of State, State of Washington, Olympia, WA 98504.
West Virginia: Residents may obtain a summary of the registration and financial documents from: Secretary of State, State Capitol, Charleston, WV 25305. CONTRIBUTIONS ARE USED FOR CHARITABLE PURPOSES IN SUPPORT OF Free the Slaves’ MISSION, AND ARE DEDUCTIBLE FOR FEDERAL INCOME TAX PURPOSES IN ACCORDANCE WITH APPLICABLE LAW. REGISTRATION IN A STATE DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION OF FREE THE SLAVES BY THE STATE.
Keep an eye on our Facebook page for upcoming Free the Slaves fundraising events in your area. You can find us at facebook.com/freetheslaves.
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