Stand for Freedom to End Modern-Day Slavery
Today, there are an estimated 35.8 million people around the world living in slavery with 2 million children in the commercial sex trade.
This week, from April 6-10, people across the United States and around the world will take a stand against the injustice of modern day slavery during the International Justice Mission’s (IJM) 3rd annual Stand For Freedom campaign.
Stand For Freedom aims to highlight the reality that slavery still exists in the world today and provide concrete action opportunities to help end it.
This year’s Stand For Freedom campaign is focused on building mass support for the End Modern Slavery Initiative Act of 2015, which, if enacted, would be a game-changer in the fight to end modern-day slavery, believes IJM.
[ UN Unveils Memorial to Victims of Slave Trade ]
Advocates from 42 states and 10 countries have signed up to stand at Stand For Freedom events around the world, according to IJM.
Today, there are an estimated 35.8 million people around the world living in slavery with 2 million children in the commercial sex trade.
Just weeks ago, IJM participated in their very first rescue operation on Lake Volta in Ghana, where thousands of boys—some very young—are forced to work as slaves on fishing boats.
The Stand For Freedom campaign strives not only to make these numbers known, but to highlight action opportunities through which people can be part of the fight to end modern-day slavery.
Taking a #Stand4Freedom involves three main action steps:
- Signing the End Slavery Petition
- Making a mark and sharing a photo in support of #Stand4Freedom
- Starting or joining an event.
The state of Texas has declared Friday, April 10, to be Texas Ending Modern Slavery Day. To mark the occasion, an event will take place on the South Steps of the Texas State Capitol in Austin, beginning at 2 pm.
Photo courtesy: IJM/@keiragrace – Advocates #Stand4Freedom in Arizona
