FreedomUnited.org

Tuesday December 12, 2023

5 alternative holiday traditions: All the joy, none of the forced labor

Krysta Bisnauth

'Tis the season – to buy, buy, buy. Whether it’s gifts, decorations, or outfits for holiday events, there seems to be an ever-growing list of things we need to spend on to participate in the usual festivities. This can quickly grow expensive and stressful. But the Freedom United community has an additional burden: how do we navigate the pitfalls of supply chains tainted by modern slavery without being a total Grinch? Fortunately, the Freedom United team has some ideas! Here are the top recommendations from my colleagues for a holiday season that prioritizes meaning over

modern slavery and genocide share root causes

Liberation

Wednesday December 6, 2023

Genocide and modern slavery share root causes

Krysta Bisnauth

In a world marred by the shadows of injustice and cruelty, the International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and of the Prevention of this Crime serves as a stark reminder of our collective responsibility to safeguard the fundamental human rights that weave the fabric of our shared existence. At Freedom United, we stand at the forefront of the fight against modern slavery. As we commemorate this day, our focus extends beyond the specific instances of atrocity, urging a contemplation on the very essence of humanity—the inherent right to life,

Other slavery

Thursday November 30, 2023

Abolition is an aspiration, not a fact

Ellie Finkelstein

The terms “slavery” and “abolition” are widely recognized as referring to the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, and the dates that this institution was supposedly abolished. The history of the slave trade is taught in timelines, locations on a map, resistance movements, and mentions of historically significant figures. While this horrific history is often referred to in conversations around slavery and abolition movements today, it is regarded as a fixed moment in time with a beginning and an end – left in the past. However, to thoroughly interrogate systems of slavery in its

Human trafficking

Thursday October 12, 2023

The U.K. Illegal Migration Act promotes trafficking and is inhumane – full stop.

Ellie Finkelstein

October 18th is Anti-Slavery Day, a day marked to symbolize the importance of raising awareness and the need to eradicate all forms of slavery, human trafficking, and exploitation. Ironically, the U.K. recognizes this day as a national call to action, yet the government is doing more than failing in its stated aspirations. How? By the passing of legislation that undermines efforts to tackle modern slavery and human trafficking and attempts to justify asylum seekers' deportation to a third country. Aiding trafficking, condemning victims The Illegal Migration Act contains some of

Workers with full buckets of fruit pouring them into large crates with an orchard behind them

Forced Labor

Wednesday August 30, 2023

Disability and modern slavery: lack of attention as harmful as deliberate malice

Brendan Hyatt

This is an abridged version of the article originally published on Human Trafficking Search to support the three-part podcast series 'Disability and human trafficking' available on Rethink Freedom. In my recent research, I've delved into the under-explored connection between disability and human trafficking. This overlooked issue came to my attention during my time at Grinnell College in Iowa. I stumbled upon the case of EEOC vs Hill County Farms, a landmark civil case that exposed the convergence of disability and trafficking. The case centered on dozens of

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