Co-Founder Brad Jeffery looking over Sonagachi, considered the largest redlight district in South Asia.

World Day Against Trafficking in Persons: Ending Modern Slavery

 

July 30th marks the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, a day dedicated to raising awareness about human trafficking and promoting and protecting the rights of trafficking victims.

Human trafficking is a global crisis that affects millions of people, including men, women, and children, who are exploited for labor, sex, and other forms of abuse. It is imperative that we come together to combat this grave violation of human rights and work towards a future free from exploitation and modern slavery.

 

The Scope of Human Trafficking

Human trafficking is one of the fastest-growing criminal industries in the world. According to the Global Estimates of Modern Slavery report by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and Walk Free, about 50 million people are victims of modern slavery, which includes forced labor and forced marriage.

rad Jeffery looking over Sonagachi, considered the largest redlight district in South Asia.
Photo: Co-Founder Brad Jeffery looking over Sonagachi, considered the largest redlight district in South Asia. 

Walk Free's Global Slavery Index found that people living in extreme poverty are particularly susceptible to modern slavery. Traffickers often prey on the most vulnerable, exploiting their need for employment and safety and offering deceptive opportunities that lead to forced labor and exploitation.

Plain and simple: poverty directly increases the risk of trafficking and modern slavery.

You might also like: How Paying a Livable Wage Can Help Stop Human Trafficking Networks

 


MADE FREE’s Mission: Creating Ethical Jobs and Promoting Fair Trade

At MADE FREE, we are committed to ending modern slavery and human trafficking through our mission of creating dignified, sustainable jobs for artisans in vulnerable communities. Our approach is rooted in the belief that ethical job creation and fair trade practices are vital in combating exploitation. 

Co-founders Brad and Katherine Jeffrey with MADE FREE artisans in indian at fair trade factories.

 

Every MADE FREE purchase supports a day of freedom from human trafficking, slavery, and poverty through sustainable employment opportunities and fair wages.

Our mission: one million people made free through self-sustaining jobs. Every purchase you make gives hope and opportunity for a life made free.

 

Ethical Job Creation

We work closely with artisans to ensure they have safe, fair, and empowering work environments and a livable wage. By providing opportunities for decent work, we help prevent the conditions that lead to human trafficking. Our makers receive fair wages, benefits, and the support they need to thrive, breaking the cycle of poverty and vulnerability that traffickers exploit.

A livable wage is the income necessary for a worker to meet their basic needs, including food, housing, and healthcare. It goes beyond mere survival, allowing individuals to live with dignity.

 

MADE FREE artisans holding market canvas tote bags

 

Ensuring livable wages helps break the cycle of poverty, reduces vulnerability to exploitation, and fosters economic stability, creating healthier, more resilient communities.

You might also like: How to determine a living wage?



Fair Trade Practices

MADE FREE adheres to the principles of fair trade, ensuring that every product we create is made with respect for people and the planet. Our products, such as our popular red tote bag and houndstooth tote bag, are made from eco-friendly materials and produced in safe working conditions.

 

MADE FREE artisan working on recycled poly backpack handcrafted
 Meet the MADE FREE Makers.

We are committed to transparency in our supply chain, ensuring that every step of the production process upholds the highest ethical standards.

 


How You Can Help

There are several ways you can contribute to the fight against human trafficking:

  • Educate Yourself and Others: Learn more about human trafficking and share this knowledge with your community. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) provides extensive resources on this topic .
  • Support Ethical Brands: Choose to buy products from companies like MADE FREE that are committed to ethical practices and fair trade.
  • Advocate for Change: Support policies and legislation aimed at combating human trafficking and protecting victims. Organizations like Polaris work tirelessly to influence policy and provide support to victims .
  • Volunteer and Donate: Contribute your time or resources to organizations working to end human trafficking and support survivors. Groups such as the International Justice Mission (IJM) are always in need of support.

 



Choose MADE FREE in the Fight Against Human Trafficking

On this World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, we invite you to join MADE FREE in our mission to end modern slavery. Together, we can make a difference by supporting ethical job creation and fair trade practices.

organic canvas tote from MADE FREE

 Learn more about MADE FREE.

 

Every purchase you make from MADE FREE helps to empower artisans and prevent exploitation, contributing to a future where all individuals can live free from the threat of human trafficking.

Whether you're shopping for yourself, your friends and family, or looking for corporate gifting options, each item you buy supports a cause greater than commerce.

By choosing MADE FREE, you are not only getting beautifully crafted products but also standing up against modern slavery and supporting a movement towards a fairer, more just world. Let us continue to raise our voices and take action until every person is free from exploitation and trafficking.

 

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