“Ending Slavery", Kevin Bales
The book stresses that slavery is not a matter of duration, as it is not necessarily a permanent condition. It’s characterized by the control of a person, through restriction of housing, food supply and movement and by the use or threat of violence. Slavery has grown because it means cheap labour, cheaper than former slaves, because the victims have no other survival options and because corruption allows it to take place. The author praises SAP-FL action against forced labour and researches which "helped to bring the subject to the notice of governements".
Raising awareness, education and fighting police corruption are among the key elements to end with slavery. Through rehabilitation, victims must learn that they have rights and that they are not alone.
Yet rescuing victims raise the issues of the confidentiality of testimonies for the safety of victims and the lack of training of police officers. If they are likely to find slaves in their daily routine, they must be given tools to identify them. Besides rescue is not a solution in itself.
Bales identified several needs, such as write and enforce anti-slavery laws, train and mobilize law enforcement officers, create free hotlines and provide education by all means.
Each on has a role to play: communities, governments, employers, consumers, investors, United Nations, NGOS,… Law enforcement is essential: “Soon a new slave has taken the place of the freed one if nothing is done against the perpetrator”.
Yet rescuing victims raise the issues of the confidentiality of testimonies for the safety of victims and the lack of training of police officers. If they are likely to find slaves in their daily routine, they must be given tools to identify them. Besides rescue is not a solution in itself.
Bales identified several needs, such as write and enforce anti-slavery laws, train and mobilize law enforcement officers, create free hotlines and provide education by all means.
Each on has a role to play: communities, governments, employers, consumers, investors, United Nations, NGOS,… Law enforcement is essential: “Soon a new slave has taken the place of the freed one if nothing is done against the perpetrator”.