With collective concern about the growing crime and human rights violations of Human Trafficking, also known as Modern Day Slavery,

the Rotary Action Group Against Slavery, IJM Canada, The Mekong Club, and #NotInMyCity envisioned a call to action in The Canada Declaration, and a gathering at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights to culminate over a two-day event. 

 

As part of a joint effort to combat Human Trafficking and Forced Labour Slavery, the Rotary Action Group Against Slavery, RAGAS), #NotInMyCity (NIMC), International Justice Mission Canada (IJM), and The Mekong Club hosted a two-day Canadian symposium entitled: "Beyond Net Zero: The Canada Human Trafficking Declaration" at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights in Winnipeg at the beginning of April 2023.

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Human trafficking is one of the fastest growing crimes in Canada. Forced Labour Slavery is recognized as being a reprehensible violation of human rights causing immediate and long-term harm to individuals and communities. Forced labour is vastly under-reported. A Victim/Survivor centred approach is key to preventing and ending victimization through Forced Labour. Collectively, we can improve institutional capacity and strengthen systems essential to creating an environment of safety, human dignity, and thriving communities.  We are thankful for the Survivor and Indigenous voices who advised and supported this event, and provided guidance in the formation of The Declaration.

 

RAGAS, NIMC, IJM Canada, and The Mekong Club are applying collective action to create scalable, sustainable, and measurable solutions that close the justice gaps for people in our communities who are vulnerable to violence and exploitation. This inaugural event will provide an opportunity for collaboration with other Canadians and international change makers to disrupt and end Human Trafficking and Forced Labour Slavery.