Conversations on Modern Slavery

In this powerful episode of our Conversations on Modern Slavery podcast, we sit down with Ghanaian advocate, storyteller, and survivor leader SherryNorth, also known as Missy Resilience.Sherrynorth shares her journey with honesty and courage—from being deceived by false promises of overseas opportunity, to confronting exploitation the moment she landed, to reclaiming her voice through music, advocacy, and global activism.Her story is not only about surviving trafficking—it’s about transforming trauma into leadership. She speaks candidly about:• How recruitment systems failed her long before she left Ghana• The fear and abuse she faced while working abroad• The role of community, dignity, and safe spaces in healing• What governments must change to protect migrant workers• Her message for young women considering similar migration pathways• The songs she wrote to tell her story when words felt too heavySherri’s voice is a reminder that survivors are not just witnesses to injustice—they are leaders redefining how the world responds to trafficking.

In this episode of Conversations on Modern Slavery, host Bryon Lippincott speaks with Dr. Marta Furlan (Senior Program Manager for Research, Free the Slaves) and researcher Ranjana Sharma about the results on child domestic workers in Kathmandu, Nepal. Drawing on a participatory study by Free the Slaves and CWISH Nepal, they unpack how very young children are recruited from rural communities, why families and intermediaries facilitate the move to cities, and what daily life looks like once children arrive.You’ll hear about:• Push–pull factors shaping recruitment and rural-to-urban movement• Gaps between the promise of schooling and the reality of long workdays• Isolation from family and peers, and why teachers often don’t see what’s happening• How employers understand their role, and where their narratives diverge from children’s• Concrete recommendations for government, employers, teachers, and child-rights groupsContent note: This episode discusses child labor, domestic work, and violence.Resources:• Full research report• Executive summary• Child-friendly version of the reportFor background on the study’s methodology, listen to Episode 15. Subscribe for future conversations with researchers, survivor leaders, frontline advocates, and policy experts.

Conversations on Modern Slavery sits down with Jeff Ochieng, a Kenyan photojournalist and writer with 10+ years in mainstream and independent media. Jeff began in Mathare as a teenager, screening award-winning early films and building a journalism portfolio. A survivor of human trafficking in the Middle East, he now reports on migrant exploitation and the kafala system, with work featured on Migrant-Rights.com and MigrantNarrativesAfrica.com. Based in Mombasa with his wife and two children, Jeff traces a journey that started with a promised job in Qatar that didn’t exist, moving on to Bahrain where he experienced confiscated phones and was forced to sign unread contracts. His experience culminated in  17 hour workdays, including transit. He shares the advice he gives would-be migrants, and the lever he argues changes lives: empathy in practice, backed by standards that actually bite. If you work in migration, labor rights, research, or policy, this episode connects the system to the day a worker actually lives.

Scam compounds across Southeast Asia are rapidly emerging as one of the most alarming forms of modern slavery—where victims are trafficked, held under constant surveillance, and forced to carry out cybercrime schemes. In this episode of Conversations on Modern Slavery, Bryon Lippincott (Head of Communications at Free the Slaves) and Kuldeep Singh Chauhan (Asia Regional Director) are joined by scholar, researcher, and advocate Ling Li to unpack the hidden world behind these walls.Together, they trace the evolution of cyber-scam operations from early phone fraud to today's militarized compounds run by transnational criminal networks. Ling shares insights from her upcoming book SCAM, revealing how technology, crypto, and the legal grey zones of regional governance fuel this exploitative system. This conversation brings urgency and nuance to an underreported crisis—and centers the need for survivor-led, systemic solutions.Connect with Ling Li on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ling-li-459637155/Check out her upcoming book Scam: Inside Southeast Asia's Cybercrime Compounds through the links below:Verso Bookshttps://www.versobooks.com/en-gb/products/3234-scamAmazonhttps://a.co/d/h7vHUi8

In this special guest-hosted episode, Kuldeep Singh Chauhan (Regional Director for Asia, Free the Slaves) sits down with Jacob Sims—Visiting Fellow at Harvard’s Asia Center and Regional Advisor at Humanity Research Consultancy to expose one of the fastest-growing forms of modern slavery: cyber scam centers.Together, they explore how trafficking victims are lured into guarded compounds across Southeast Asia and coerced into committing online fraud. Jacob shares survivor stories, insights from groundbreaking research, and the urgent need for survivor-led approaches, cross-sector collaboration, and accountability.🔍 Topics include:How scam centers operate as a form of cyber slaveryWhy educated, tech-savvy youth are being traffickedThe role of state corruption and criminal networksWhat governments, tech platforms, and NGOs must doHow survivors are shaping solutions on the frontlines

Season 3 of Conversations on Modern Slavery is here! Join our host Bryon Lippincott as he explores the groundbreaking Ethical Anti-Trafficking Practices Guide for Faith-Based Organizations.In Episode 16, you’ll hear powerful insights from Angela Pontororing (Salvation Army Indonesia), Dalaina May (Dark Bali Indonesia), Andrea Baker (Project SUMA, Bolivia), and Dr. Marta Furlan (Free the Slaves), who share their experiences developing this essential guide.Tune in now and discover how a diverse group of experts came together to create practical, ethical guidelines that protect survivors and respect faith traditions.You can download the guide at on the Global Learning Community's website. https://www.globallearning.community/resource-hub

Conversations on Modern Slavery | Episode 15 Researching Child Domestic Work in Nepal: Insights from the Field Join host Bryon Lippincott as he sits down with Ranjana Sharma from CWISH Nepal and Dr. Marta Furlan from Free the Slaves to discuss their groundbreaking research on child domestic workers in Nepal. Ranjana Sharma is a the lead researcher with Children and Women in Social Service and Human Rights (CWISH) Nepal. She has more than 10 years of experience in participatory action research. 🔍 What to Expect in this Episode: • An overview of this qualitative research project focused on Kathmandu’s child domestic workers, uncovering their journeys, challenges, and living conditions. • Insights into ethical research methods and safeguarding protocols when working with children, including interviews and participatory workshops. This episode offers a rare glimpse into the research process and the immense effort involved in uncovering these often-hidden stories. 🎧 Don’t miss this compelling conversation and the remarkable efforts of Ranjana and Marta to amplify the voices of child domestic workers. Stay tuned for next year’s follow-up episode, where the research findings will be discussed!

In this episode of Conversations on Modern Slavery, Adrian Alexander, Advocacy and Movement Building Country Manager for Free the Slaves, hosts Diahann Gordon Harrison from Jamaica and Cherise Francis from Barbados. Together, they discuss the challenges and opportunities of anti-trafficking efforts in the Caribbean. Highlights include the creation of the Caribbean Coalition Against Trafficking in Persons, the importance of breaking silos in regional collaboration, and innovative projects such as the Regional Prevention Action Plan and the Resource Hub. Tune in to hear personal stories, actionable insights, and how this coalition is bringing hope and unity to the fight against modern slavery.

Episode 13 Features a keynote speech from the 2024 North America Regional Freedom from Slavery Forum titled Moving Freedom Forward: Challenges and Opportunities in the Global Movement to Abolish Slavery. In this keynote from the North American Freedom From Slavery Forum, historian and abolitionist Dr. Timothy Patrick McCarthy explores the power of grassroots movements in the fight against slavery. He emphasizes how technology has long played a crucial role in amplifying these efforts but reminds us that technology should be seen as a tool—not the solution. At the heart of every movement are people, and Dr. McCarthy highlights the importance of keeping human dignity and inclusion at the forefront as we harness digital tools to drive real change.

In this episode, we bring you a dynamic panel discussion from the recent Asia Regional Freedom from Slavery Forum, held from August 6-8. Moderated by Bryon Lippincott, the panel features insights from Yogita Bajracharya of the Nepal National Business Initiative, Jen Green from Labor Solutions, and Matt Friedman of the Mekong Club. Together, they explore the latest developments, challenges, and solutions in the fight against modern slavery across Asia.

This episode features a webinar sharing important information about the nature of human trafficking and Free the Slave's efforts to end the conditions that allow it to persist. This comprehensive 2 hour session will delve into the harrowing world of human trafficking and the vital work Free the Slaves is doing to combat it. Agenda Highlights: Introduction (10 minutes): A warm welcome and an introduction to Free the Slaves and its critical mission. Understanding Human Trafficking (10 minutes): A detailed examination of what constitutes human trafficking, including its various forms: labor, sex, and child trafficking and an overview of key statistics related to human trafficking around the world. The Impact of Human Trafficking (10 minutes): Discussion on the long-term physical, psychological, and social effects on survivors. Free the Slaves' Role (45 minutes): An overview of our innovative approach and strategies, key programs, success stories, and milestones. Interactive Q&A Session (15 minutes): A lively Q&A session, inviting audience engagement and addressing participant questions. Closing Remarks - Learn how you can make a difference in the fight against human trafficking. We will also share valuable resources for further education and awareness. Whether you're a longtime supporter or new to the cause, this webinar is a fantastic opportunity to deepen your understanding of human trafficking and learn how you can join the fight against it. We look forward to your participation in this critical conversation.

Ever wondered how human trafficking and disability intersect? 🤔 In Episode 11 of "Conversations on Modern Slavery," Dr. Marta Furlan discusses with Sarah Hall, Heather Moga, and Haley Patterson two topics that are often uncomfortable for society to address: human trafficking and disability. They explore the complex ways these issues intertwine, with the possibility of disabilities increasing vulnerability to human trafficking and human trafficking potentially worsening or causing disabilities. Learn why it's essential to provide individualized care and support for those affected. Featuring: - Sarah Hall, Director of Anti-Trafficking Initiatives at Texas Alliance of Child and Family Services - Heather Moga, Director of Program Development at Red Oak Hope - Haley Patterson, Director of Austin Programs at Red Oak Hope

🎙️ “It was very, very powerful, seeing survivors, learning from each other, being mentored…” Join Dr. Marta Furlan in Episode 10 of "Conversations on Modern Slavery" as she talks with Bernadette Agano from Free the Slaves and Ngwepekem Eunice Foloh from Survivor Network Cameroon. They discuss the recent Survivor Leadership Academy held in Nairobi, Kenya. Their conversation is candid and heartfelt. They share their experiences facilitating this essential training and highlight the significance of survivor leadership in combating modern slavery. 🎧 Tune in now to be inspired and informed!

🎙️ Podcast Episode #9: Diving into Free the Slaves and HAART’s Survivor Engagement Research - Part 2 Dive into an incredible conversation with Dr. Marta Furlan, Wanja Kimani, and Shivan Pavin Alungnat. These two inspiring women, both survivors of modern slavery, share their journey of involvement in this research project, from planning to writing. In this episode, Wanja and Shivan open up about the profound impact of being included in the research, the pride in identifying as researchers, and the importance of paid positions. They also highlight why survivor involvement is crucial in both research and support programs. Their stories demonstrate the importance and power of inclusive research! 🎧❤️

Join host Bryon Lippincott as he welcomes Dr. Marta Furlan and Jackline Mwende to discuss groundbreaking research in survivor engagement, a crucial aspect of combating modern slavery and human trafficking. 🔍 In this episode, you’ll learn about: The motivations behind the research conducted by Free the Slaves and HAART. Innovative methodologies used in engaging survivors in research. Ethical considerations and strategies in survivor-led research. This is Part 1 of a compelling two-part series focusing on how survivor insights are shaping strategies to combat slavery.

Dive into a compelling roundtable discussion on Episode Six of "Conversations on Modern Slavery". Join our host Bryon Lippincott, alongside Free the Slaves Executive Director Bukeni Waruzi, and FTS Research Officer, Dr. Marta Furlan. 🗣️💡 We're wrapping up 2023 and looking ahead to the future of our fight against slavery in 2024. This episode delves into emerging trends, key learnings, success stories, and our ambitious vision for growth in 2024. 🌟 Don't miss this insightful wrapup and exploration of what lies ahead. Tune in now and be part of the conversation that's setting the stage for change! 🎧 #EndModernSlavery #Podcast #converstationsonmodernslavery

In this compelling episode of "Conversations on Modern Slavery," host Bryon Lippincott welcomes Dr. Marta Furlan, to delve into recent research from Free the Slaces on the perilous path from the Horn of Africa to the Gulf Monarchies. This journey, accounting for 40% of global migratory movements, is a treacherous mix of hope and despair. Dr. Furlan sheds light on the myriad factors driving this mass migration, including economic hardship, political instability, climate change, and severe food and water insecurity. As migrants from conflict-ridden countries seek better lives in wealthy Gulf nations, they often resort to illegal channels, becoming vulnerable to human trafficking. The episode takes a deep dive into the stages of this journey: Transiting through Djibouti and Somalia: Here, migrants face sex trafficking, forced labor, and exploitation in various forms, from domestic servitude to forced begging and peddling. Transiting through Yemen: Upon arrival, migrants are often captured by traffickers, facing brutal conditions in forced labor, sexual slavery, and even being coerced into criminal activities. Arriving in the Gulf monarchies: The struggle continues as illegal status subjects migrants to exploitative labor conditions, with men in hazardous construction work and women in domestic servitude, often facing abuse and extreme working hours. The conversation also explores solutions, emphasizing the need for origin countries to address underlying issues and for transit and destination countries to enhance migrant protection, fight human trafficking, and provide safer migration channels. Dr. Furlan and Bryon Lippincott conclude by discussing the international community's role in addressing this overlooked crisis and the importance of raising awareness about the risks and alternatives to irregular migration. Tune in to this informative and urgent discussion on "Conversations on Modern Slavery," where we explore the complexities of modern-day slavery and the paths toward freedom. [Download the Full Report]

Episode 4 features an interview with Charmaine Gandhi-Andrews, Charmaine served in Trinidad and Tobago Public Service for thirty-eight years, thirty-two of which was spent as an Immigration Officer in the Ministry of National Security. She became the first female Chief Immigration Officer in Trinidad and Tobago in 2015, a position she held until her early retirement from Public Service in January of this year. Passionate about issues relating to trafficking in persons, Charmaine has been involved in anti-human trafficking activities since 2009. She advocated for and was actively involved in developing and implementing policies and legislation on trafficking in persons in Trinidad and Tobago. In 2012 she was appointed as the first Director to lead the establishment of Trinidad and Tobago’s Counter Trafficking Unit and develop and implement the country’s anti-trafficking efforts. She led the investigation, identification, rescue, rehabilitation, and reunification of victims of human trafficking with their families. The US State Department recognized Charmaine as a hero acting to end modern-day slavery in its 2014 Trafficking in Persons Report. In December 2022, she was honored with the Migrant Hero Award from the International Organization for Migration, Port of Spain office for her years of dedication and service in the field of migration.

Free the Slaves Research Officer Dr. Marta Furlan and Southeast Asia Regional manager join the podcast to discuss the research report on the intersection between human trafficking and climate change in the Philippines recently published by FTS. The Report: Human Trafficking and Climate Change: Understanding Intersections and Strengthening Responses in the Philippines contains findings from research by FTS and JPIC-IDC. The research examines the linkages between climate change, climate change-related hazards, and human trafficking in the regions of Eastern Visayas and Caraga (Eastern Philippines). The research finds that communities affected by climate change become exposed to the risk of exploitation by human traffickers. Exploitation can take different forms, but in Eastern Visayas and Caraga it is mostly labor trafficking and forced labor, child hazardous labor, sexual trafficking, commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC), and online sexual exploitation of children (OSEC). Recognizing that natural hazards heighten the vulnerability of individuals and communities to exploitation by human traffickers, actions that address climate change-related vulnerabilities become a much-needed strategy to end the conditions that allow human trafficking to exist."

El segundo episodio de "Conversaciones sobre la Esclavitud Moderna" presenta los hallazgos del proyecto de investigación "Entre la Explotación y el Abandono: Cuatro Estudios de Caso en Comunidades Indígenas en la Amazonia Peruana", que hicieron Free the Slaves y Onotzi. Con Marta Furlan (FTS), Gemma Baradjí Blasco (FTS), y Nancy Cynthia González (Onotzi), el episodio presenta los hallazgos de la investigación sobre la trata de personas en las comunidades indígenas de la Amazonia, discute la situación de abandono y explotación de las poblaciones indígenas en Peru, y contextualiza los hallazgos de la investigación en la realidad contemporánea de America Latina." The second episode of "Conversations on Modern Slavery" discusses the research project "Between Neglect and Exploitation: Four Case Studies in Indigenous Communities in the Peruvian Amazon" conducted by Free the Slaves and Onotzi. Hosted by Dr Marta Furlan (FTS) and with the participation of Gemma Bardají Blasco (FTS) and Nancy Cynthia Gonzalez (Onotzi), the episode presents the research findings on human trafficking among Peru's Indigenous people, discusses the marginalized and neglected condition of Indigenous communities in Peru, and contextualizes the research findings in the wider reality of Latin America. This episode is presented in Spanish. Click on the link below to access the English Transcription of the podcast. https://links.freetheslaves.net/Peru_Transcript

Dive into the riveting world of "Conversations on Modern Slavery" with hosts Bryon Lippincott and Dr. Marta Furlan from Free the Slaves. In this premiere episode, uncover the driving force behind the podcast, get a tantalizing glimpse of upcoming episodes, and embark on a journey into the transformative work of Free the Slaves. Join us as we unravel the threads of this global issue. 🎙️