Walk Free Foundation

Walk Free Foundation is a global organization dedicated to ending modern slavery, with a focus on human trafficking, forced labor, and bonded labor. The foundation was established by Andrew Forrest, an Australian businessman and philanthropist, and his wife Nicole Forrest, in collaboration with Kevin Bales, a leading expert on modern slavery. The Walk Free Foundation works closely with organizations such as the International Labor Organization (ILO), United Nations (UN), and Human Rights Watch to achieve its goals.

● History

The Walk Free Foundation was founded in 2010 by Andrew Forrest and Nicole Forrest, with the aim of creating a global movement to end modern slavery. The foundation's early work focused on researching and documenting the extent of modern slavery worldwide, in partnership with organizations such as the University of Queensland and the Australian National University. The foundation's research was influenced by the work of Kevin Bales, who has written extensively on the topic of modern slavery, including his book Disposable People: New Slavery in the Global Economy. The Walk Free Foundation has also worked with other organizations, such as the Polaris Project and the International Justice Mission, to support anti-trafficking efforts and provide assistance to victims of human trafficking.

● Mission and Objectives

The Walk Free Foundation's mission is to end modern slavery in all its forms, including human trafficking, forced labor, and bonded labor. The foundation's objectives include raising awareness about the issue of modern slavery, supporting research and policy development, and working with governments, businesses, and civil society organizations to implement effective solutions. The foundation has partnered with organizations such as the World Economic Forum, the Clinton Global Initiative, and the Ford Foundation to achieve its objectives. The Walk Free Foundation has also worked with governments, including the Australian Government, the United States Government, and the European Union, to develop and implement policies to combat modern slavery.

● Methodology and Research

The Walk Free Foundation's research methodology is based on a comprehensive approach that involves data collection, analysis, and verification. The foundation works with a team of researchers and experts, including Kevin Bales, to collect and analyze data on modern slavery from a range of sources, including government reports, academic studies, and non-governmental organization (NGO) reports. The foundation's research has been influenced by the work of other organizations, such as the International Labor Organization (ILO) and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The Walk Free Foundation has also partnered with organizations such as the University of California, Berkeley and the London School of Economics to conduct research on modern slavery.

● Global Slavery Index

The Walk Free Foundation's Global Slavery Index (GSI) is a comprehensive report that provides an estimate of the number of people living in modern slavery worldwide. The GSI is based on a robust methodology that involves data collection, analysis, and verification, and is widely recognized as a leading source of information on modern slavery. The GSI has been endorsed by organizations such as the United Nations, the International Labor Organization (ILO), and the Human Rights Council. The Walk Free Foundation has also worked with governments, including the Australian Government and the United States Government, to use the GSI to inform policy and programming to combat modern slavery.

● Partnerships and Initiatives

The Walk Free Foundation has partnered with a range of organizations to achieve its objectives, including non-governmental organizations (NGOs), governments, and businesses. The foundation has worked with organizations such as the Polaris Project, the International Justice Mission, and the Salvation Army to support anti-trafficking efforts and provide assistance to victims of human trafficking. The Walk Free Foundation has also partnered with businesses, including Fortescue Metals Group and Andrew Forrest's Minderoo Foundation, to promote corporate social responsibility and support efforts to combat modern slavery in global supply chains. The foundation has also worked with organizations such as the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund to support economic development and reduce poverty, which are key factors in preventing modern slavery.

● Impact and Criticisms

The Walk Free Foundation's work has had a significant impact on the global effort to combat modern slavery. The foundation's research and advocacy have helped to raise awareness about the issue of modern slavery and have informed policy and programming to combat it. The Walk Free Foundation has also been recognized for its innovative approach to addressing modern slavery, including its use of data analytics and technology to track and prevent human trafficking. However, the foundation has also faced criticisms, including concerns about the methodology used to estimate the number of people living in modern slavery and the potential for over-simplification of a complex issue. The Walk Free Foundation has responded to these criticisms by continuing to refine its methodology and engage with critics and stakeholders, including academics, NGOs, and governments, to ensure that its work is accurate, effective, and responsive to the needs of victims of modern slavery. The foundation has also worked with organizations such as the University of Oxford and the Harvard University to address these criticisms and improve its research and advocacy efforts.