Exciting announcement: Forced Labour Protocol ratification updates!
By Herrana Addisu, Freedom United Monday 23 Sept.
Today world leaders are gathering in New York at the United Nations. We want them to use this moment to show their commitment to ending forced labor and this is our chance to make sure they do not forget!
According to the ILO’s global estimate, there are 24.9 million people trapped in forced labor around the world today, creating an estimated 150 billion dollars in profits every year. But there is something countries can do to tackle this.[1]
Belgium has just become the 38th country to sign the Forced Labour Protocol. The Protocol creates new responsibilities for governments in the fight against forced labor. It includes measures on prevention, protection for victims and justice against perpetrators. Once a country adopts the Protocol, it is legally binding under international law.
Belgium follows Lesotho in recently adopting the Forced Labour Protocol progressing the fight against forced labor. Our hard work is paying off! Can you add your name to urge your country to take a stand in protecting workers?
We are also excited to announce Freedom United is partnering with the United Nation’s Association of New York to help encourage more governments to ratify a comprehensive international standard on forced labor, also known as the Forced Labor Protocol or P29. In this partnership we will be doing direct advocacy workat the United Nations to push against labor abuse.
We have gathered almost 100,000 signatures on the campaign but our fight is still not over. Only thirty-eight countries have ratified the Forced Labour Protocol so far. We want more countries to join them and help tackle modern slavery by implementing effective legislation. Let’s keep the pressure on to end the abuse of tens of thousands of workers.
Add your name to urge your government to be next to adopt the Forced Labour Protocol.
In solidarity,
Herrana and the Freedom United Team
