Across the globe, a staggering 49.6 million people live in modern slavery. Roughly a quarter are children.
Modern slavery is all around us, often hidden in plain sight. People can become enslaved making our clothes, picking our crops, working in factories, or working in houses as cooks, cleaners or nannies.
Victims of modern slavery might face violence or threats, be forced into inescapable debt, or have their passport taken away and face being threatened with detention and deportation.
Many people have fallen into this trap because they were trying to escape poverty or insecurity, improve their lives and support their families. Now, they can’t leave.
This year we’re joining other charities in a Coalition to Stop Slavery, to take public awareness to a level where everyone can see that ending modern slavery is our concern, and is possible.
This Anti-Slavery Day, 18 October, join us in the fight against slavery and help us to free and empower people across the globe.
Here’s how you can help – in five simple steps!
1. Campaign for change
Modern slavery and forced labour can be behind all sorts of products we use on a regular basis, from the clothes we wear to the food we eat and the gadgets we use every day.
We all want to buy goods knowing that nobody has been harmed in making them, but the UK is at an increasing risk of being a dumping ground for goods made using forced labour.
The European Parliament has now approved a new law banning goods made using forced labour from the EU’s internal market. The US and Canada already have similar laws, and Mexico is developing its own. Unable to sell products made using forced labour in the EU and US, shipments could simply be turned back from ports and sent to the UK, where they would be welcomed.
We know that the Government can do much more to ensure that goods tainted by modern slavery are not sold in the UK. Sign now and show your support for a new law making it illegal to import goods made using forced labour into the UK.
2. Join the movement
We resist modern slavery for all people whose freedom is withheld. Become a member of Anti-Slavery International and you will resist too. With your regular gift, you will help dismantle systems of abuse and exploitation, push to change laws and arm people with their rights.
Join today to resist modern slavery and restore freedom for everyone, everywhere, always.
3. Spot the signs
Without realising, you’ll probably encounter people living in modern slavery on a daily basis.
Slavery isn’t as obvious as it used to be, so we might not notice that someone is enslaved, but look closer and you might spot more worrying traits. What are the signs of slavery and how can we help?
Along with the Coalition to Stop Slavery, we’re sharing the key signs of slavery, so that you can find out what you can do if you suspect someone is being exploited.
4. Fundraise for freedom
There are lots of ways you can raise money to fight slavery – whether you like running, cooking or want to come up with your own unique challenge.
You could:
- Make your steps count by doing a sponsored walk, run or dance
- Give up your favourite thing – perhaps it’s coffee or your Friday treat – then donate what you would have spent
- Double your impact by asking your employer if they will match the money you raise, to boost your fundraising and help twice as many people
Your imagination’s the limit!
5. Download our mobilisation pack
Anti-Slavery Day is our opportunity to stand together against one of the greatest injustices of our time. To shine a spotlight on this too often hidden issue, we need your support.
To make taking action easy, we’ve created a FREE Anti-Slavery Day Mobilisation Pack, filled with everything you need — whether you have 5 minutes, 10 minutes, or more to spare.