Ecumenical Conference on Human Trafficking
Multiple Perspectives to Addressing this Complex Issue
Sponsored by National Council of Churches – Justice for Women Working Group & United Methodist Women’s Division United Methodist Seminar Program on National and International Affairs
Open Space Report Title:
How can we address the broader issue of modern-day slavery?
Convener:
Anna Speicher, Church of the Brethren, aspeicher_gb@brethren.org
List of participants:
Brigitte Gynther, Ruth Vince, Una Stevenson, Darrell Omanson, Anna Speicher
Discussion and recommendations:
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We talked about the power
of using the word “slavery” to help us name and explain the worldwide
phenomenon of forced labor. This puts the issue in the context of
centuries of the exploitation of human labor.
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Poverty is a major cause,
the root of much of the problem of enslavement around the world. We need
to get at this root.
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Anti-poverty programs,
programs that support women and children, small businesses are key. The
Women, Faith, and Development Alliance is working at this. Many other
organizations as well.
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Making slavery an
explicit objective in anti-poverty action would be helpful.
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Speaking of the
exploitation of labor (as opposed to sex trafficking) can broaden
people’s understanding of the issue.
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How do we institute fair
working conditions for laborers (e.g., end sweatshops)?
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Support passage of the
Decent Working Conditions and Fair Compensation Act
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Connect to corporate
campaigns (to change corporate practices)
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How do we change our
buying habits?
- Acknowledge our culture of consumerism
- Oppose NAFTA (“Fair Trade” is not fair for many other countries when we flood their markets with our cheap goods.)
- Get list of slave-produced products from the Dept. of Labor
- Buy Fair Trade products.
- Buy local.
- Change the mindset of “buy cheap.” (“Slavery is too high a price to pay for cheap goods.” – Kevin Bales)