(This RAG is not an agency of or controlled by, Rotary International)
Dear Friends,
On Tuesday 19th September 2017, the International Labour Organization and the Walk Free Foundation released the Global Estimates of Modern Slavery. This document is important as it is the first time these two organizations have come together to jointly measure the scale of modern slavery around the world. It is also important as, and I quote from the Executive Summary, “The 2017 Global Estimates of Modern Slavery are presented as a contribution to the (UN’s) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in particular to Target 8.7 which calls for effective measures to end forced labour, modern slavery and human trafficking as well as child labour in all its forms”.
As you will know, there is a Parliamentary Inquiry into an Australian Modern Slavery Act, and while there is generally bi-partisan support for the concept, there may be differences in the Politicians’ approaches as to the detail and strength of such an act in compelling Companies and Businesses into declaring the existence and scope of slavery and exploitation in their supply chains. Let’s make it very clear to our Nation’s leaders we want a robust Act that will hold companies to account. You can write an already prepared communication to your local members here. We thank Stop The Traffik for this initiative.
October is again Ping Pong A Thon month, and there are exciting new ways you can participate in The Pong this year.
As Professor Kevin Bales says, “we can only end modern slavery in our lifetime when the public and governments make it a priority”. Let’s keep doing what we can to make it a priority!
Tony Stokes
Rotary Club of Box Hill Central D9810
RAGAS Board Member
RAGAS Coordinator for Victoria, Australia tony@ragas.online
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOAL 8.7 end modern slavery and human trafficking
LATEST SLAVERY ESTIMATES
Read full report here.
Summary infographics below.
PROJECT OPPORTUNITY
Ping Pong-A-Thon is a fundraising & advocacy movement, combating human trafficking and exploitation of young people in South East Asia through a series of table tennis events held annually in October.
The Global Pong is Ping Pong-A-Thon's virtual event that enables anyone, anywhere in the world to be part of the solution to modern day slavery.
To participate:
Register to PLAY. Invite your family and friends to PLAY with you.
Play table tennis for three hours during the month of October on any table tennis table you can find.
Invite your family and friends to sponsor your efforts via your personal fundraising page.
Funds raised support the work of 7 project partners combating the slavery of some of the most vulnerable young people in our world.
100% of sponsorship funds go to project partners.
Donations are tax deductible in Australia.
Sign up here: https://theglobalpong.raisely.com
Australian Parliamentary Inquiry into Modern Slavery Act
Call on the Australian Parliament to pass robust legislation against modern slavery. Use your freedom to support the freedom of others! Make your voice heard here.
HUMAN FACES OF MODERN SLAVERY courtesy of The Guardian
Mat Friedman comments on the latest Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report 2017
How to spot a trafficked victim and to ask the right follow up questions.
Project opportunity – help buy a Minibus for YouCanFreeUs, an anti-slavery organization based in Mumbai which rescues women and children who are trapped in slavery.
report from Consumer Goods Forum (CGF) on best practice in tackling supply chain audit for large companies entitled “Business Actions Against Forced Labour“.
POLARIS have created a structured analysis of the 25 types of slavery entitled ‘The Typology of Modern Slavery‘ – the report offers a map for taking the next steps in creating a world without slavery.
