Online competition seeks innovative approaches

22 May 2008 - Non-profit organizations Humanity United and Ashoka's Changemakers recently launched a global online competition to identify innovative approaches to expose and fight human trafficking and forced labour.

"Today, over 27 million children and adults are in bonded labour around the world", said the organizations in a joint statement. "Modern-day slavery is largely hidden from the public eye and thrives on the rising global demand for inexpensive, unskilled labour and commercial sex." Human trafficking is a process that very often ends in forced labour; be it for sexual exploitation or other forms of economic exploitation.

The competition aims to raise awareness on these issues and to provide a collaborative forum for those working to battle them. Entries are on-line and available for anyone to view and share ideas, experiences, as well as recommend resources to help refine and strengthen strategies.

"Inventive, passionate entrepreneurs are bringing new ideas to bear against this crime", said Randy Newcomb, President of Humanity United. "We're committed to discovering those individuals and helping to bring their solutions to scale."

The competition will "convene a network of innovators, stimulate dialogue and raise awareness on this obscured and complex issue", added Charlie Brown, Executive Director of Ashoka's Changemakers.

A panel of six experts will select three winners based on the criteria of innovation, social impact and sustainability. Each winner will receive US$ 5,000 to further pursue and expand their work.

"Individuals and organizations all over the world are committed to fighting human trafficking but lack of knowledge cripples their efforts", said Doris Buddenberg, Senior Manager of the Global Initiative to Fight Human Trafficking (UN.GIFT) and member of the panel. "This competition is a great way of generating and contributing to dialogue, policy making and partnership as well as encouraging innovation at the grass root level." 

Humanity United is an independent organization committed to eradicating trafficking and forced labour. Ashoka's Changemakers is a non-profit support network for social entrepreneurs to develop innovative solutions to pressing world issues.

More information on the competition.