Free the Slaves
Free the Slaves is an international non-governmental organization and lobby group, established to campaign against the modern practice of slavery around the world.[1] Formed in 2001, it is the largest anti-slavery organization in the U.S.[2] It is the sister-organization of Anti-Slavery International (the world's oldest human rights organization[3]). The organization was created as a result of research done by Dr. Kevin Bales in his book, Disposable People: New Slavery in the Global Economy. Free the Slaves’ approach is a focused strategy in the context of efforts around the world to enable people to meet their basic needs. Access to economic opportunities, health services, universal education, and strong rule of law would reduce the vulnerability of poor people to enslavement. Free the Slaves supports these efforts while recognizing that the existence of slavery calls for a specific and direct approach to its eradication.
[edit] Criticism
In response to Kevin Bales's interview with Democracy Now! about Free The Slaves and the chocolate industry more broadly[4], Christian Parenti wrote a criticism of Bales on September 14, 2009, citing Bales's false claims in defense of the chocolate industry.[5]
