"Australian Mining Magnate Announces Deal to End Slavery, Forced Labor in Pakistan"

"The issue with slavery is that it is everywhere...You cannot afford a world with slavery, which literally takes someone and turns them into a machine."

- Andrew Forrest, Fortescue Metals Group 

Just this morning we posted "A Global Look at Human Trafficking," a graphic from UNICEF which provides staggering figures and statistics surrounding human trafficking across the world, and last week shared the recently-released Global Slavery Index which reports on the estimated number of enslaved people by country. In examining both resources, you will notice a high prevalence of modern day slavery in the Middle East, particularly Pakistan which has an estimated number of 2,000,000-2,200,000 enslaved people. Although the situation is mind-blowing and tragic, a news report earlier this week brought a glimpse of hope. 

Andrew Forrest, founder and chair of Australian mining company Fortescue Metals Group, announced an agreement to make coal conversion technology available to the Punjab province of Pakistani, in exchange for the government's introduction of legislation to end modern day slavery. A philanthropist and founder of the Walk Free Foundation (which created the Global Slavery Index), Forrest has convinced the government to introduce laws which will "combat the practice of slavery as a result of indenture, debt, or inheritance." The energy technology that his company will develop to make use of Pakistan's deposits of lignite coal will be provided pro-bono and will help the country work towards "energy independence for the Punjab and the eradication of slavery in all of the Punjab."

For more information about Forrest's announcement and his goal of ending debt slavery and forced labor in Pakistan, read Philanthropy News Digest's "Australian Mining Magnate Announces Deal to End Slavery, Forced Labor in Pakistan."

We're sharing this resource as part of National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Learn more about the month HERE and check back on this blog for more resources and ways you can take action. 

A Global Look at Human Trafficking

The graphic below is a digest of the staggering figures and statistics surrounding human trafficking. This resource from UNICEF provides a global look at trafficking and the work that still needs to be done. For more on how you can take action, visit UNICEF's End Trafficking Project page and explore the resources from the Stowe Center's 2013 How to be an Abolitionist Workshop.

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We're sharing this resource as part of National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Learn more about the month HERE and check back on this blog for more resources and ways you can take action. 

Slavery is Not a Thing of the Past: What YOU can do to end human trafficking

Leah Schoen, an advocate for social engagement and contributer to The Good Speaks Project, wrote a post on www.goodspeaks.org called "Slavery is Not a Thing of the Past" in recognition of Slavery and Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Her piece not only focuses on the issue of human trafficking but on what you can do to help end this incredible injustice. Read her recommendations and resources below, or click HERE to read her post.


Support these campaigns to end slavery and human trafficking:

• United Nations Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking 
• The Blue Campaign is the unified voice for Department of Homeland Security’s efforts to combat human trafficking. Working in collaboration with law enforcement, government, non-governmental and private organizations, Blue Campaign strives to protect the basic right of freedom and to bring those who exploit human lives to justice. The Blue Campaign provides information on training and outreach, how traffickers operate, and victim assistance to help keep 
• CF (Compassion First)'s  mission is to live for the sake of others. They seek to bring healing, restoration and most importantly the means for a bright and hopeful future in the lives of women and young girls who have been sexually trafficked. Compassion First is promoting a fundraiser to raise $17,500 by February 11th  (National Freedom Day) 
• International Rescue Committee works to break this cycle of violence by helping survivors to heal, delivering care to victims of sexual assault, and by bringing women together for mutual support. Through innovative skills programs, the International Rescue Committee helps women gain economic independence.

Stop Buying Goods Made By Slaves

“Worldwide 12.3 million children and adults work in forced labor. This is modern day slavery, and it is linked to the products you buy.”  The Anti-Slavery International’s Slavery and What We Buy campaign shows that slavery can occur at different stages, from the production of raw materials such as cocoa or cotton, to the manufacture of goods such as garments, toys or fireworks.

Buy Something Beautiful to Support Survivors of Slavery

The Free Forever Campaign is a project of Made by Survivors, in partnership with Women’s Interlink Foundation, India, to build a shelter for 125 girls in Jalpaiguri, India.  They sell elegant, hand-made jewelry, bags, scarves and other gifts.  Check out their online store.

We're sharing this resource as part of National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Learn more about the month HERE and check back on this blog for more resources and ways you can take action.