Luxembourg for Freedom

Slavery and exploitation of human beings have no place in 21st century. Yet 21 million women, men and children are trapped in slavery, three out of every 1,000 people worldwide. 4.5 million are victims of sexual exploitation. Modern slavery is all around us, even though most of us do not even realise it.

It is also a huge business! According to a recent study by the International Labour Organisation (ILO), modern slavery generates annual illegal profits of over US$ 150 billion – the most lucrative and fastest-growing criminal activity after weapons and drugs. 90% of victims are exploited in the private economy, 44% of victims have migrated internally or across borders, and 95% of victims experience some form of violence.

The problem is, however, so huge and distressing that we may feel powerless and think that there is hardly any scope for an individual response. Is it really so? Or is there something we can do – in our everyday lives, in one or more of our multiple roles in society – as citizens, parents, friends, educators, customers, buyers, professionals, organisational leaders? This is the question on which we at Time For Equality wish to focus and the reason why we not only support the 50 For Freedom campaign, but we also created the Luxembourg for Freedom initiative.

Secondary students volunteering at Time For Equality stand – Neimënster

In fact, during the last six months, Time For Equality took part in a number of events and initiatives supporting the fight against modern slavery and human trafficking. You may find here photos and information about Time for Equality’s stand at the 2017 Festival des migrations, des cultures et de la Citoyenneté in Luxembourg on 4-5 March, learn about our presence at the International Women’s Day 2017 at Neimenster in Luxembourg on 12 March here, as well as check our recent online action to raise awareness on modern slavery here on the occasion of Diversity Day.

50 For Freedom

In order to bring modern slavery to an end, people around the world are joining the 50 For Freedom campaign – a global alliance against modern forms of slavery – and calling on their governments to ratify the ILO’s Protocol to the Forced Labour Convention.

The Protocol is a legally-binding treaty – that complements the Forced Labour Convention of 1930. It requires governments to take new measures to tackle modern slavery in all its forms and works on three main levels: protection, prevention and compensation.

However, before it can have a real impact, it needs to be ratified by countries. So far, only 13 countries have ratified the Protocol, while the goal of 50 for Freedom is to persuade 50 states by 2018. You may find more information about the Protocol here.

Luxembourg For Freedom

– get involved in your local community

While millions of children, women and men live in slavery-like conditions worldwide, modern slavery is also happening in Luxembourg, as highlighted in the first human trafficking report issued by the Consultative Commission on Human Rights (CCDH).

While 880 000 of people are affected by modern slavery all across the European Union, it is difficult to assess the extent of the phenomenon in Luxembourg, due to problems with the collection and evaluation of statistical data. The report stresses that the data received by the rapporteur were incomplete and did not allow relevant conclusions to be drawn. 

Luxembourg For Freedom is a community-based campaign initiated by Time for Equality to support ILO’s 50ForFreedom movement to end human trafficking and modern slavery. The campaign was launched on the occasion of Diversity Day Letzebuerg 2017. We believe that the benefits of diversity will come from all sectors of society working together to build a sustainable inclusive society. It is through respect of human rights, dignity and freedom, that our society will realise the full potential of diversity.

With “Luxembourg For Freedom” we are asking from all members of our community to get involved by signing up to support www.50forfreedom.org and ask the Luxembourg government to ratify ILO’s Protocol on Forced Labour.

How can YOU help fight modern slavery?

Learn, Share, Take Action

Text by Roxana Mironescu

Journalist, digital communication professional and gender equality activist, currently based in Luxembourg.

Photo: “Sold”, a film by Jeffrey D. Brown (www.soldthemovie.com)

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