Competition awards initiatives to end exploitation

7 August 2008 - Three programmes that are working to eradicate human exploitation were yesterday announced winners of a global online competition sponsored by non-profit organizations Humanity United and Ashoka's Changemakers.

"We're incredibly proud of our online community that stepped forward to collaborate, discuss, and draw out the most effective ideas in this important issue regarding human dignity," said Charlie Brown, Executive Director of Changemakers.

More adults and children are enslaved or trapped as bonded labourers today than at any other period in human history - more than 27 million individuals worldwide, said the organizations.

The competition aimed to raise awareness on human trafficking and forced labour and to provide a collaborative forum for those working to battle it.

Over 230 entries from 48 countries were received since the competition was launched in April earlier this year. Entries were on-line and available for anyone to view, provide feedback and share ideas and experiences.

A panel of six experts slated 15 finalists from Argentina, Brazil, Cambodia, India, Mexico, the Philippines and the USA. Projects were evaluated based on the criteria of innovation, social impact and sustainability. Online voting by the public, selected the final three winners.

The awards go to an American network, which supports economic alternatives and education so that survivors and high risk communities are empowered to be 'slavery proof'; a Cambodian organization that focuses on anti-child trafficking by empowering mothers to earn a steady income from home and return their children to school; and another American organization, which works with the tourism industry to prevent and combat child sex tourism.

Each winner will receive US$ 5,000 to further pursue their work.

"I am inspired by the steadiness, persistence and dedication of these grass-root local initiatives," said Doris Buddenberg, Senior Manager of UN.GIFT and member of the panel. "Some of them have been working on the same issue for years. Innovation is good but hard and long-term work and commitment cannot be underestimated. This is what will bring about change."

"All this work shows us that we can achieve good results," says Eva Biaudet, OSCE Special Representative for Combatting Trafficking in Human Beings, also member of the panel. "So much more could be done if people were more aware and determined to end the demand, if leaders would have the courage to address exploitation promptly, and if NGOs like these would get more resources to work with."

Find out more about the competition