Countries across economic and cultural spectrums have made efforts to erase slavery. In fact, it has been illegal since it was abolished in 1833 in the UK, 1865 in the US, and 1843 in India. However, it is still not a crime in almost half of the countries around the world, while even in countries where it is illegal, it can still be found. To address the issue, there will need to be much greater collaborative efforts to tackle slavery at the very core through effective policies and raising awareness to put an end to it. One way this can be achieved is through organisations dedicating themselves to eradicating it, both within their sphere and on a wider scale.

As we look towards achieving a better world and accelerating progress towards the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, here are some organisations who are paving the way for reducing inequalities (SDG10) and empowering those who have never had the opportunity before.

Anti-Slavery International

Anti-Slavery International (ASI) works globally with, and builds the capacity of, local partner organisations to tackle modern slavery in their own countries. It is the world’s oldest human rights organisation working to free people from all forms of slavery across the world. In April 2019, ASI secured 12,000 signatures asking the UK government to back the Modern Slavery (Victim Support) Bill which would guarantee better care for survivors.

In addition to this, ASI has also worked to address the slave supply chain. This included teaming up with fashion retailer ASOS and other partners to help end the exploitation of migrant workers travelling from Bangladesh and Madagascar to work in the garment industry in Mauritius.

To donate: https://www.antislavery.org/

Marks and Spencer

As well as charities like ASI, some of the world’s biggest companies have also been doing their part. Marks and Spencer (M&S) has been recognised for its extensive efforts to tackle modern slavery including implementing conferences, workshops, training and working closely with agencies which look to identify slavery across the chain. M&S also sponsors the national Modern Slavery Hotline in order to safeguard the most vulnerable.

This has seen M&S top the Corporate Human Rights Benchmark for Food and Fashion (coming second overall) and was also recognised by the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre as the top FTSE100 company for taking meaningful action on slavery.

Mission 823

Although based in the US, Mission 823 dedicates itself to rescuing children from the dangerous world of human trafficking. Founded by Shawn and Amy Sullivan, who after an experience in Ukraine, created Mission 823, to relieve the suffering of vulnerable children and allow them to experience the beauty, sanctity, safety, and love of family. They are passionate about defending, rescuing and restoring at-risk children and their communities around the world.

To do this, they work in cooperation with local and international task forces and law enforcement, facilitating the rescue of victims held in modern-day slavery. They provide opportunities for self-improvement and inclusion in family units and awareness and resource materials to children and their communities.

So far, they have helped change the lives of many children who were forced into trafficking from their homes by giving them a new chance at life.

To donate: https://www.mission823.com/

Tony’s Chocolonely

Dutch confectionary company Tony’s Chocolonely owes its very existence to the fight against child labour. Its brand’s mission is to show the industry it is possible to make good, high-quality chocolate without resulting to having slaves.

To do this, Tony’s uses Fairtrade ingredients and only buys direct from farmers in Ghana and the Ivory Coast in efforts to combat slavery and exploitation. In turn, they also give farmers top pricing which gives them extra income allowing for them to maximise their profit potential over organisations engaged in unethical practices.

This has seen the company become the leader in the Dutch confectionary market and has proven that not only can this be achieved, but consumers are willingly happy to pay a bit more knowing that the money is going towards a good cause.

Voice of the Free

Voice of the Free (VF) is a non-profit organisation in the Philippines. VF works to protect the welfare of some of the country’s most marginalized migrant workers, especially those in sectors often neglected and ignored by society.  VF combines social care, social entrepreneurship, and mobilises social movements to achieve lasting social change.

This includes addressing the issues of domestic work, child labour, and human trafficking- especially of women and children, who are the most at risk. VF’s work for child domestic workers has been recognised by the United Nations as one of the best international practices.

VF has rescued and helped more than 32,000 victims and potential victims of trafficking. This has built greater resilience towards those most at risk and has paved the way for ending slavery and human trafficking.

To donate: https://www.voiceofthefree.org.ph/