Global Freedom Network calls for renewed action against modern slavery

The Global Freedom Network (GFN) is set to host its landmark Faith in Action Against Modern Slavery Conference on October 8, 2025, commemorating a decade of interfaith advocacy to end modern slavery worldwide.

The conference will bring together survivors, religious leaders, civil society actors, and government officials to reflect on progress made over the past 10 years and reaffirm commitments to tackling exploitation globally.

Modern slavery continues to affect countries across Africa, with the latest Global Slavery Index estimating that seven million people on the continent live under conditions of forced labor or forced marriage. Experts cite conflict, poverty, and climate-related displacement—exacerbated by the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic—as key drivers of this injustice.

The Accra event will focus on the role of faith communities in addressing systemic drivers of exploitation, amplifying survivor voices, promoting interfaith collaboration, and strengthening global partnerships.

“In a world where more than 50 million people are trapped in modern slavery, including forced labour and forced marriage, faith-based leadership stands as a powerful force for justice, compassion, and systemic change,” said Franca Pellegrini, Head of the Global Freedom Network at Walk Free.

“By uniting faith communities that collectively represent nearly half the world’s population, Global Freedom Network continues to foster a powerful moral and cultural movement against modern slavery.”

She added: “Faith communities have long been at the forefront of humanitarian efforts, guided by moral teachings that uphold the dignity and freedom of every human being. Today, that leadership is more vital than ever. By mobilising congregations, advocating for policy reform, and supporting survivors, faith leaders play a pivotal role in dismantling the structures that enable exploitation.”

Pellegrini emphasized that the Ghana conference offers an opportunity to celebrate achievements while confronting ongoing challenges. “The Ghana conference is a moment to celebrate the progress we’ve made together and confront the ongoing realities of modern slavery with hope and determination,” she said.

Key themes of the Conference:

• Survivor leadership and inclusion

• Faith-based and interfaith advocacy in action

• Government policy and legislative progress

• Tackling child and forced marriage through social norm change

• The role of gender and youth in addressing modern slavery

Faith in Action conference serves as a pivotal platform for learning, collaboration, and strategic planning—aiming to educate, inspire, and mobilise participants across sectors and faith traditions.

The Global Freedom Network (GFN) was established in 2014 as a pioneering initiative to unite faith leaders across the world in the fight against modern slavery.

It began with the Joint Declaration of Religious Leaders Against Modern Slavery, signed at the Vatican by representatives of major world religions—including Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Judaism—marking a historic moment of interfaith collaboration

GFN is the faith-based arm of Walk Free, an international human rights group working to accelerate the end of all forms of modern slavery.

GFN’s mission is to mobilise spiritual and moral leadership to raise awareness, influence policy, and support community-based action against exploitation

Over the years, GFN has expanded its reach through strategic partnerships, advocacy campaigns, and educational initiatives.

One of its most notable tools is the Faith For Freedom app, launched in 2022, which equips faith leaders with resources to identify and address modern slavery within their communities

GFN works closely with governments, NGOs, civil society, and international organisations to coordinate efforts and amplify impact.

Its approach is rooted in the belief that faith communities have a unique and powerful role to play in dismantling the systems that perpetuate slavery and human trafficking.