The Freedom United community knows that trafficking often doesn’t resemble popular portrayals. One form that is often tragically overlooked is forced prison labor despite accounting for one in seven of all forced labor cases worldwide. Incarcerated persons are particularly vulnerable as they are exploited by the state, which is tasked with protecting us. Legally, they are not afforded even the most minimal protections against labor exploitation and abuse.

Share the knowledge

Of the 17 countries identified by the latest Global Slavery Index for practicing forced prison labor, the U.S. has slavery and involuntary servitude as punishment for crime enshrined in the country’s constitution. It is no coincidence that the U.S. also has the largest prison population. Freedom United has been calling on our colleagues in the anti-trafficking sector to join us and we are pleased to share that several new organizations have signed our petition urgently calling for the U.S. to abolish legal slavery. Congress could pass the Abolition Amendment (SJR 33/HJR 72), which was recently introduced,(1) and end legal slavery once and for all. However, we currently only have a few co-sponsors and need your help.   All it takes is a few minutes of your time and you can:

SIGN

We need you and your community! Sign the petition calling on Congress to end slavery. Share it with your friends, family and coworkers.

Sign now

Find your representatives and let them know that it’s beyond time to end legal slavery.

Write now

VOLUNTEER

Get involved directly by joining Freedom United as a community ambassador for the Amend the 13th campaign.

Volunteer now

Thank you for taking action this World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. Together, we can end U.S. prison slavery once and for all.

In solidarity,

Krysta and the team supporting the Freedom United community

[1] https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/senate-joint-resolution/33; https://www.congress.gov/bill/118th-congress/house-joint-resolution/72/all-info