programmes and advocacY PAGE

The Programmes and Advocacy team, with a staff of 12 people, is in charge of carrying out the mandate of Anti-Slavery International. The team works on all major forms of modern slavery, and in most regions of the world. The team is currently made of the following programmes: Bonded Labour in South East Asia; Descent-based slavery in Africa; Child Labour; Domestic Work; Trafficking; and Forced Labour in the Supply Chain. There are also team members who focus on the following areas of work: international advocacy; campaigns; education; media; and public information.

Our programmatic work has a two-fold purpose: to make a real and immediate difference to the lives of people living in slavery conditions or vulnerable to slavery. Our programmes always involve working closely with local partners, benefiting from their experience and empowering them to combat slavery through awareness raising at the local level, research, denunciation and provision of services for victims.  Additionally they contribute to tackling the root causes and consequences of slavery, from the facilitation of access to education to redress (in the form of justice and compensation) for former slaves.

The team’s advocacy work takes place through public awareness raising and campaigning, educational work with schools, engagement with the media and lobbying national governments and inter-governmental fora (e.g. the United Nations, the European Union, the African Union and the International Labour Organization). Our advocacy work involves carrying out and publishing research on these different types of slavery and advocating for changes in policies and behaviour which will contribute to their eradication. Advocacy and programmes are closely linked, as we convey to key decision makers the messages of victims and partners in the field for an effective action against slavery.

Our work tries to respond to slavery in a holistic way, dealing also with the root causes and consequences of slavery. The Programmes and Advocacy team aims to achieve:
 

• The ratification by governments of anti-slavery treaties and conventions, incorporating them into their penal systems, making slavery an offence punishable by law and prosecuting perpetrators.
  
  
• The adoption by governments of action plans for the eradication of slavery with measurable objectives for the identification and support of victims and the protection of people vulnerable to slavery.
  
  
• The release of slaves and their integration into society through meaningful processes that guarantee redress and economic alternatives for victims out of slavery and the prevention of enslavement.
  
  
• The empowerment of non-governmental organisations, civil society organisations, former slaves’ organisations and other partners to tackle root causes and consequences of slavery, including support for victims and the prevention of enslavement among vulnerable groups.
  
  
• Awareness-raising among the general public is increased and key social agents so that they demonstrate their commitment to eliminate slavery.