Free the Slaves

This Thanksgiving, we’re grateful for the supporters who make our work possible and the communities around the world working toward freedom and dignity for all. Your generosity empowers survivors, strengthens vulnerable communities, and drives the fight to end modern slavery. As we reflect on what we’re thankful for, we also invite you to look ahead to Giving Tuesday—a day to come together and continue the fight for freedom. Stay tuned to see how you can join us in creating a world without exploitation. ?? Learn more about our work: https://freetheslaves.net/

Country Profile on Modern Slavery: Nepal ???? In Nepal, more than 97,000 people are trapped in different forms of modern slavery, ranging from forced labor and human trafficking to child marriage and debt bondage. Key Facts: ?? 1.9 million Nepalese are at risk of human trafficking. ?? Child labor is rampant, with 1.1 million children involved, most in hazardous agricultural work. ?? Sex trafficking impacts vulnerable women and children, both within Nepal and abroad, particularly in India, Malaysia, and the Middle East. ?? Drivers of Modern Slavery: Poverty, lack of education, and caste-based discrimination leave millions vulnerable. Climate change and natural disasters further exacerbate these risks, forcing families into desperate situations. ?? What’s Being Done? Nepal has made strides with new laws, special police units, and international cooperation. However, much work remains to protect victims and bring traffickers to justice. For more detailed insights, read our latest fact sheet: https://lnkd.in/ghEyzzrF

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Romcy Madronio, Regional Manager for Southeast Asia at Free the Slaves, joined Radio Mindanao Network for a radio interview on November 15. He discussed research showing how climate change increases vulnerabilities to human trafficking and emphasized the need for collaborative action to protect vulnerable communities.

?? 50 million people are trapped in modern slavery—an alarming increase of 10 million since 2016. Traffickers exploit digital platforms, climate crises, and financial systems to perpetuate forced labor, leaving vulnerable communities at greater risk. Despite global commitments like SDG Target 8.7, progress has slowed. Our latest blog explores these interconnected challenges and highlights actionable solutions through global collaboration and innovation. ?? Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/gF_B7-VD

Mithilesh’s leadership has been crucial in changing how his community approaches migration. As the village head, he has helped ensure that families have the right information and resources to protect themselves before making life-changing decisions to work abroad. ????? Thanks to initiatives led by Verité, supported by Free the Slaves and MSEMVS in India, more communities are now empowered to avoid unsafe migration practices. Watch this video to see how Mithilesh’s efforts are making a real difference—and how these projects can continue to grow with your help. ?? Today is the last day of our empowering migrant workers in India campaign. Download our free ebook to read more stories like Mithilesh’s. https://lnkd.in/g4Uxksq6 https://verite.org/ffact/

“Before, people had no information and relied on agents, but now, after learning through the project, they migrate the right way and pay less,” says Mithilesh, the village head of Mahathua in Uttar Pradesh. As a community leader, Mithilesh has seen firsthand how a lack of information left people vulnerable to exploitation. Thanks to the projects, that’s starting to change. ????? For years, families in rural areas relied on local labor agents, paying high fees without understanding their rights or the process of legal migration. This lack of information led many into debt and unsafe working conditions abroad. The Promoting Migrant Workers Rights in India and FFACT projects, led by Verité in collaboration with Free the Slaves and MSEMVS in India, have focused on empowering communities through education, outreach, and support networks. By providing clear, practical information and resources, these initiatives help ensure that individuals know their rights and can make safer, informed decisions. Leaders like Mithilesh are taking this knowledge forward, ensuring that people in their communities are better equipped to navigate the migration process. But there’s still more work to be done. ????? ?? Thank you for joining us this week. Download our free ebook to read Mithilesh’s story and learn more about how these projects are making an impact https://lnkd.in/g4Uxksq6 https://verite.org/ffact/

Rahul’s story highlights the importance of understanding your rights before migrating. After borrowing money to pay recruitment fees, he found himself working 12-hour days under harsh conditions abroad. Now, thanks to the information he gained from the project, he knows what to look for and how to protect himself in the future. ???? Many migrants, like Rahul, are deceived about the nature of the work and conditions they’ll face abroad. The initiatives led by Verité, with support from Free the Slaves and MSEMVS in India, provide vital education on how to verify job contracts, understand recruitment fees, and avoid exploitative practices. By empowering individuals with knowledge, these projects help ensure safer migration pathways. Watch this video to hear more about Rahul’s experience and how he’s using what he learned to help others make informed, safer choices. ????? ?? Download our free ebook to read more about Rahul’s journey and see how these projects are making a real difference. https://lnkd.in/g4Uxksq6 https://verite.org/ffact/

“When I reached Dubai, I found out we had to work 12 hours a day, and the living conditions were nothing like what we expected,” shares Rahul from Tulapur village, Uttar Pradesh. Rahul’s experience abroad was a harsh reminder of how unsafe migration can lead to exploitation. After borrowing money to pay recruitment fees, he found himself trapped in difficult conditions far from home. ???? Many migrant workers face misleading promises about job opportunities, only to discover harsh working conditions and long hours once they arrive abroad. Without the right information and proper contracts, they are left vulnerable to exploitation and often struggle to repay debts taken on to cover recruitment fees. The initiatives led by Verité, in collaboration with Free the Slaves and MSEMVS in India, aim to address this issue by educating migrant workers about their rights, proper documentation, and the risks of deceptive recruitment practices. Through community workshops, training, and guides, these projects help individuals understand how to avoid unsafe migration conditions. Since participating in the project’s awareness campaigns, Rahul has learned how to reduce the risks associated with migration. He is now sharing his experiences with others, ensuring they have the information needed to make better decisions and avoid the challenges he faced. ?????? ?? Want to learn more? Download our free ebook to read Rahul’s story and discover how these projects are creating safer pathways for migrants. https://lnkd.in/g4Uxksq6 https://verite.org/ffact/

Sonu’s story is deeply personal. After his brother was sent abroad on a tourist visa and faced many challenges, Sonu wanted to make sure others in his village didn’t face the same fate. Through his work with the Migration Vigilance Committee (MVC), he’s helping families understand the importance of legal documentation and safe migration practices. ????? One of the biggest risks migrant workers face is being sent abroad without proper work visas. The project led by Verité, with support from Free the Slaves and MSEMVS in India, addresses this issue by educating communities about safe migration, ensuring they understand how to check their visas and protect themselves from deceptive practices. Watch this video to see how Sonu is making a difference in his community by empowering others with the knowledge they need to migrate safely. ???? ?? Download our free ebook to read more about Sonu’s journey and learn how these projects are making an impact across Uttar Pradesh. https://lnkd.in/g4Uxksq6 https://verite.org/ffact/