Combating Forced Labor and Modern-Day Slavery: Enhancing Legal Frameworks and Enforcement. - fundsforNGOs

Executive Summary

Forced labor and modern-day slavery continue to represent some of the most egregious violations of human rights in the contemporary world, affecting an estimated 27 million people across various sectors and regions. These practices strip individuals of their freedom and dignity, trapping them in cycles of exploitation and abuse. Victims—often from marginalized communities—are subjected to coercion, threats, and manipulation, with little to no recourse for justice. While international frameworks such as the International Labour Organization (ILO) Conventions, the Palermo Protocol, and the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights provide a legal foundation for addressing these abuses, many countries struggle with implementation. National laws may be outdated, poorly enforced, or lack alignment with international standards, leaving significant loopholes that traffickers and exploitative employers exploit with impunity.

This proposal presents a strategic intervention designed to address these legal and enforcement deficiencies through a multi-tiered approach. The project will focus on reviewing and reforming existing legal frameworks to ensure consistency with international norms, while simultaneously strengthening the institutional capacities of law enforcement agencies, judicial bodies, and labor inspectorates. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of interagency collaboration and community-level engagement to ensure a comprehensive and sustainable response. By targeting countries with high prevalence rates of forced labor and modern slavery, the initiative seeks to establish a model of effective legal protection, victim-centered

Background and Problem Statement

Forced labor, including debt bondage, human trafficking, and involuntary servitude, affects over 27 million people globally, as estimated by the International Labor Organization (ILO). Victims often belong to marginalized communities, and the exploitation spans sectors such as agriculture, construction, domestic work, and manufacturing.

Although legal instruments like the ILO Forced Labor Conventions, Palermo Protocol, and national laws exist, many countries face challenges in enforcement due to:

Weak legal definitions and outdated legislation
Lack of coordination among agencies
Limited resources and training for law enforcement
Victim-blaming attitudes and poor support systems

This project aims to bridge these gaps by supporting the development of comprehensive legal frameworks, enhancing the capacity of key institutions, and fostering multi sectoral collaboration.

Objectives

General Objective
- To contribute meaningfully to the eradication of forced labor and modern-day slavery by strengthening national legal frameworks and enhancing the effectiveness of enforcement mechanisms. This objective seeks to address the systemic weaknesses that enable these practices to persist, promoting justice, accountability, and protection for vulnerable populations.
Specific Objectives
- Review and Harmonize National Legal Instruments with International Standards
  - Conduct comprehensive assessments of existing national laws related to forced labor, trafficking, and exploitation to identify gaps and inconsistencies. The objective is to align domestic legal provisions with international conventions such as the ILO Forced Labour Protocol and the Palermo Protocol, ensuring legal clarity, stronger penalties for offenders, and reinforced protections for victims.
- Build the Capacity of Law Enforcement, Judiciary, and Labor Inspectors
  - Enhance the knowledge, skills, and resources of frontline institutions involved in detecting, investigating, and prosecuting cases of forced labor and modern slavery. This will include specialized training programs, development of standard operating procedures, and provision of necessary tools to ensure more efficient, victim-sensitive, and coordinated responses.
- Establish Coordination Mechanisms Among Stakeholders
  - Promote integrated approaches by establishing interagency coordination bodies involving government agencies, civil society organizations, trade unions, and the private sector. These mechanisms will facilitate the sharing of information, joint operations, policy coherence, and holistic victim support services across sectors and levels of governance.
- Raise Awareness Among Vulnerable Communities and Civil Society\
  - Launch public education campaigns and grassroots outreach initiatives to increase awareness about the risks, signs, and consequences of forced labor and modern slavery. This objective aims to empower communities with knowledge of their rights, encourage reporting, and build societal resilience against exploitation through collaboration with local NGOs and community leaders.

Target Groups

Primary Beneficiaries
- Law Enforcement Agencies
  - Police forces and specialized anti-trafficking units are often the first responders to cases of forced labor and modern-day slavery. This project will enhance their capacity through targeted training on investigative techniques, victim-centered approaches, and coordination with other agencies. Providing them with updated legal knowledge, modern tools, and clear operational guidelines will significantly improve the detection and prosecution of forced labor crimes.
- Judiciary
  - Judges and prosecutors play a crucial role in ensuring justice is served. The project will engage the judiciary in capacity-building activities focused on interpreting anti-trafficking laws in line with international standards, handling cases with sensitivity toward victims, and issuing proportionate sentences to deter perpetrators. Strengthening judicial competence contributes to a more credible and responsive legal system.
- Labor Inspectorates
  - Labor inspectors are key to identifying exploitative labor practices at the workplace level, particularly in high-risk industries such as agriculture, construction, and domestic work. The project will equip inspectorates with legal tools, mobile technology, and investigative protocols to increase the frequency and quality of inspections, thereby acting as a deterrent against forced labor and improving labor conditions.
Secondary Beneficiaries
- Victims and At-Risk Populations
  - These include individuals from marginalized, impoverished, or migrant backgrounds who are especially vulnerable to exploitation. Through legal reforms, improved enforcement, and expanded support services, the project aims to protect their rights, provide pathways to justice, and enable long-term rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
- Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
  - NGOs are often the first to provide direct support to victims, from shelter and legal aid to psychological counseling. This project will collaborate with civil society actors to strengthen their capacity, promote policy advocacy, and ensure their involvement in monitoring, awareness campaigns, and victim support.
- Policy Makers
  - Government officials, legislators, and advisors involved in drafting and enacting laws will be engaged throughout the project to ensure that legal reforms are evidence-based, inclusive, and aligned with international obligations. Their support is vital for institutionalizing change and allocating sustainable funding.
- Labor Unions and Workers’ Associations
  - These groups serve as watchdogs and advocates for workers’ rights. The project will involve labor unions in workplace monitoring, policy discussions, and education campaigns to promote ethical labor standards and encourage the reporting of abuses by workers themselves.
Geographic Focus:
- The pilot phase of this initiative will be implemented in three high-risk countries: Bangladesh, Nigeria, and Brazil. These countries have been selected based on the prevalence of forced labor and modern slavery, the presence of systemic legal and enforcement gaps, and the opportunity for meaningful policy engagement and institutional reform.
  - Bangladesh
    - Bangladesh, with its large garment industry and informal labor sector, faces persistent challenges in regulating working conditions and combating exploitative practices. Migrant workers, women, and children are particularly vulnerable to bonded labor and trafficking. Despite existing labor laws and commitments to international conventions, enforcement mechanisms remain weak due to limited resources and oversight. The project in Bangladesh will focus on strengthening labor inspection systems, improving legal protections for informal workers, and fostering partnerships between the government, civil society, and international labor organizations.
  - Nigeria
    - Nigeria is both a source and destination country for human trafficking and forced labor, especially affecting children and women in domestic servitude, agriculture, and street trading. The legal framework, while relatively robust on paper, suffers from weak implementation and fragmented coordination among enforcement agencies. This project will work to harmonize existing laws with international standards, train judicial and law enforcement personnel, and empower community-based organizations to support victims and prevent exploitation in both urban and rural settings.
  - Brazil
    - Brazil has made notable strides in combating modern slavery, particularly through its mobile labor inspection units and the public “Dirty List” of employers. However, challenges persist in remote areas, such as the Amazon region, where forced labor remains prevalent in agriculture, logging, and mining. There is also a growing concern around labor exploitation in urban centers involving migrants. This project will support ongoing national efforts by scaling up successful interventions, enhancing regional cooperation, and addressing new forms of exploitation in the digital and gig economy.

Project Activities

Legal Review and Reform
- Conduct National Assessments of Legal Gaps Related to Forced Labor and Modern Slavery
  - A comprehensive legal gap analysis will be undertaken in each target country to assess the compatibility of existing national laws with international conventions such as ILO Conventions 29 and 105, and the Palermo Protocol. This will include analysis of criminal, labor, immigration, and human rights laws to identify inconsistencies, loopholes, or areas of weak enforcement.
- Draft Model Laws or Amendments Aligned with International Norms
  - Based on the assessments, the project will work with local legal experts and international consultants to develop draft legislation or amendments to existing laws. These model legal texts will provide clear definitions, outline enforcement procedures, and establish penalties and victim protection provisions aligned with global standards.
- Facilitate Parliamentary Roundtables and Public Consultations
  - To ensure political buy-in and transparency, national dialogues will be convened with parliamentarians, government agencies, labor unions, private sector representatives, and survivors’ groups. These forums will promote inclusive consultation and encourage stakeholder consensus on proposed reforms.
- Develop Legal Toolkits for Practitioners
  - Practical legal toolkits—including manuals, templates, and checklists—will be produced and distributed to judges, prosecutors, legal aid providers, and police officers. These will guide legal professionals in interpreting and applying new laws effectively and consistently.
Capacity Building
- Organize Training Workshops for Police, Prosecutors, and Judges
  - Tailored training sessions will be conducted for law enforcement, judicial officers, and prosecutors on identifying, investigating, and adjudicating cases of forced labor and modern slavery. Topics will include victim-centered approaches, evidence gathering, survivor protection, and case management.
- Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Handling Cases
  - The project will develop and institutionalize SOPs for responding to suspected cases of forced labor. These will provide clear guidance on interagency coordination, victim referral pathways, forensic documentation, and prosecution procedures.
- Establish Legal Aid Desks to Support Victims
  - Legal aid services will be integrated into police stations, labor departments, and community justice centers. These desks will offer free legal advice, case support, and representation to survivors navigating the justice system.
Strengthening Enforcement
- Create Interagency Task Forces with Clear Mandates and Resources
  - National and regional task forces composed of police, labor inspectors, immigration officers, and social workers will be established. These task forces will have specific mandates, reporting lines, and resource allocations to lead anti-slavery operations and coordinate case responses.
- Equip Labor Inspectors with Technology and Mobility Tools
  - Labor inspectors will be provided with mobile tablets, inspection kits, and digital reporting tools to enhance their ability to conduct effective workplace audits, especially in remote or informal sectors. Training will be provided to ensure proper use of these tools.
- Pilot Mobile Investigation Units for Rapid Response
  - In high-risk regions, mobile units composed of trained investigators, social workers, and legal experts will be deployed to quickly respond to reports of exploitation. These units will serve as on-the-ground response teams capable of initiating legal action and victim support simultaneously.
Community Engagement and Prevention
- Launch National Awareness Campaigns Using Multimedia and Local Languages
  - Public information campaigns will be developed using radio, television, social media, posters, and community theater in local languages. These campaigns will inform the public about the signs of forced labor, how to report abuses, and the rights of workers under national law.
- Collaborate with Civil Society to Identify and Support Survivors
  - The project will work with grassroots NGOs and survivor-led organizations to create referral networks, support groups, and outreach services. These collaborations will help identify at-risk individuals, provide psychosocial support, and connect survivors to legal aid and rehabilitation services.
- Promote Ethical Business Practices and Supply Chain Transparency
  - Partnerships will be developed with private sector actors to encourage the adoption of fair labor standards, ethical procurement policies, and supply chain audits. Companies will be supported in implementing human rights due diligence measures to reduce exploitation in their operations and among their suppliers.

Expected Outcomes

Revised and Enforced Legal Frameworks in Target Countries
- Through comprehensive legal reviews and participatory reform processes, national legislation in each pilot country will be revised to align with international standards such as the ILO Forced Labour Protocol and the Palermo Protocol. Laws will include clearer definitions of forced labor, stricter penalties for perpetrators, and stronger protections for victims. The project will also support the implementation of these laws through the development of regulations, guidelines, and training manuals, ensuring that legal reforms are not only adopted but actively enforced across relevant sectors.
Increased Prosecution and Conviction Rates of Forced Labor Crimes
- With enhanced capacities among law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and judicial personnel, the project will contribute to more effective investigation and prosecution of forced labor and modern slavery cases. This includes improved case management, evidence gathering, and victim-sensitive trial procedures. As a result, a measurable increase in the number of successful prosecutions and convictions is expected, contributing to greater deterrence and accountability.
Enhanced Victim Protection and Rehabilitation Services
- Victims of forced labor and modern slavery will benefit from expanded access to legal aid, medical care, psychosocial counseling, shelter, and economic reintegration support. The project will strengthen referral networks and victim support services in each country, ensuring that survivors are treated with dignity, protected from re-traumatization, and empowered to rebuild their lives. Special attention will be given to vulnerable groups such as women, children, and migrants.
Improved Interagency Coordination and Data Collection
- The establishment of interagency task forces and coordination platforms will promote information sharing, joint investigations, and unified responses to forced labor cases. The project will also support the development of centralized databases to track cases, monitor trends, and inform policy decisions. By enhancing coordination between government departments, NGOs, and international partners, the project will contribute to more efficient and cohesive national responses.
Greater Public Awareness and Reporting of Abuses
- Through targeted outreach campaigns, media engagement, and community mobilization, the project will raise public awareness about the nature, risks, and legal consequences of forced labor and modern slavery. Vulnerable populations will be educated about their rights and how to seek help, while the general public will be encouraged to report suspicious activities. Increased awareness is expected to lead to higher levels of community involvement, reporting, and ultimately, prevention of exploitation.

Monitoring and Evaluation

Indicators
- To measure the progress and impact of the project, a combination of quantitative and qualitative indicators will be used. These indicators will be regularly monitored and evaluated to ensure accountability, inform decision-making, and support adaptive project management:
  - Number of Legal Reforms Enacted
    - This indicator tracks the quantity and scope of national laws, policies, or regulations revised or newly enacted in alignment with international standards on forced labor and modern-day slavery. It reflects the project’s success in influencing legal and policy environments in each target country.
  - Number of Officials Trained
    - This includes law enforcement personnel, labor inspectors, judicial officers, and social workers trained under the program. It captures the reach and depth of the project’s capacity-building activities, disaggregated by role, gender, and location.
  - Prosecution and Conviction Rates
    - This indicator will measure the number of cases filed, prosecuted, and resulting in convictions related to forced labor and modern slavery. It reflects improvements in enforcement capacity, interagency coordination, and judicial effectiveness.
  - Victim Support Cases Handled
    - Tracks the number of victims who receive direct assistance through project-supported services, such as legal aid, psychosocial counseling, temporary shelter, and reintegration support. This indicator highlights the project’s impact on survivors’ access to justice and rehabilitation.
  - Public Awareness Levels (via Surveys)
    - Measures changes in knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors among the general public and at-risk communities through pre- and post-campaign surveys. It reflects the effectiveness of communication and outreach strategies in raising awareness and encouraging action against forced labor.
Methods
- A robust monitoring and evaluation system will be implemented using the following methods to ensure rigorous data collection, analysis, and reporting:
  - Baseline and End Line Assessments
    - Comprehensive assessments will be conducted at the beginning and end of the project to establish benchmarks and measure changes in legal frameworks, institutional capacities, victim support services, and public awareness. These will inform the evaluation of project effectiveness and outcomes.
  - Monthly Activity Reports
    - Implementing partners and field teams will submit standardized monthly reports documenting key activities, challenges encountered, success stories, and progress toward indicators. These reports will be synthesized into quarterly and annual performance summaries for internal review and donor reporting.
  - Independent Mid-Term and Final Evaluations
    - External evaluators will conduct mid-term and final evaluations to provide objective assessments of the project’s relevance, efficiency, effectiveness, impact, and sustainability. These evaluations will include stakeholder interviews, site visits, and validation of reported data to ensure transparency and accountability.

Sustainability Strategy

Embed Training Modules into Official Curricula for Police and Judicial Academies
- To ensure long-term impact and sustainability, the project will integrate specialized training modules on forced labor and modern slavery into the formal curricula of national police academies, judicial training institutes, and labor inspectorate training programs. These modules will cover legal definitions, investigative techniques, victim-centered approaches, and international best practices. By embedding this content into pre-service and in-service training structures, the initiative ensures that future generations of law enforcement officers, judges, and inspectors are systematically equipped to identify, prevent, and prosecute exploitation-related crimes.
Foster Partnerships with Bar Associations and Academic Institutions
- Legal professionals play a crucial role in upholding justice and supporting victims. The project will develop partnerships with national bar associations, universities, and law faculties to promote research, continuing legal education, and student engagement in anti-slavery legal work. This includes developing legal aid clinics, organizing moot courts and seminars, and supporting the inclusion of anti-trafficking law in university curricula. These partnerships will also help create a cadre of legal practitioners well-versed in the complexities of forced labor cases, thereby increasing the availability of competent legal assistance for victims.
Advocate for National Budget Allocations to Support Enforcement Mechanisms
- Sustainable change requires financial commitment. The project will engage with ministries of finance, justice, and labor to advocate for dedicated budget lines that support enforcement activities, victim protection services, and interagency coordination structures. This includes advocating for funds to recruit and train labor inspectors, expand shelter and rehabilitation services, and support judicial case management systems. Budget advocacy will be backed by cost-benefit analyses demonstrating the long-term economic and social gains of eradicating forced labor and modern slavery.
Promote Community-Based Monitoring Structures
- Communities are often the first to witness signs of exploitation, yet they are frequently excluded from formal response systems. To bridge this gap, the project will establish and support community-based monitoring and reporting structures involving local leaders, trade unions, women’s groups, and youth networks. These structures will be trained to recognize indicators of forced labor, refer suspected cases, and participate in local prevention efforts. By empowering communities and creating trusted local mechanisms for reporting and support, the initiative fosters grassroots ownership and long-term vigilance against exploitation.

Risk Analysis and Mitigation

Political Resistance to Legal and Policy Reform
- There is a moderate risk that political stakeholders in some of the target countries may resist changes to existing laws or may deprioritize forced labor and modern slavery on the legislative agenda. This resistance may stem from political instability, vested interests, or a lack of awareness about the severity of the issue. The potential impact of this risk is high, as political buy-in is essential for legislative reform and the allocation of resources. To mitigate this, the project will identify and engage champions within government institutions—such as progressive lawmakers, human rights commissions, or anti-trafficking units—who can advocate for reform from within. Additionally, evidence-based advocacy, including data on the socio-economic costs of forced labor and case studies of successful interventions, will be used to build a compelling case for legal and policy changes.
Limited Institutional Capacity for Enforcement and Response
- Institutional weaknesses, such as under-resourced labor inspectorates, untrained law enforcement officers, and overwhelmed judicial systems, pose a high-likelihood risk to the success of the project. If institutions lack the skills, tools, or coordination needed to enforce laws effectively, the project’s objectives may not be realized. The impact of this risk is considered medium, as it can be addressed through capacity-building efforts. The project will provide targeted training, mentorship, and technical support to relevant agencies. It will also invest in the development of practical tools such as standard operating procedures (SOPs), legal toolkits, and mobile enforcement units to bolster institutional performance.
Victim Reluctance to Report Exploitation or Participate in Legal Processes
- Victims of forced labor and modern slavery may fear retaliation, stigmatization, deportation (in the case of undocumented migrants), or mistrust authorities due to previous negative experiences. This high-likelihood risk can significantly undermine efforts to identify and prosecute perpetrators, as victim testimony is often crucial to legal proceedings. The impact is medium but can be mitigated by strengthening victim protection mechanisms. The project will ensure confidentiality, offer legal assistance, and provide psychosocial support to encourage victim participation. Collaboration with trusted civil society organizations will also help reach victims in a culturally sensitive and rights-based manner.
Corruption and Impunity Within the Justice System
- Corruption in the police, labor departments, or judiciary—ranging from bribery to deliberate case dismissals—poses a medium-likelihood but high-impact risk. It can seriously erode public trust, deter victims from coming forward, and allow traffickers to operate with impunity. To mitigate this, the project will promote transparency through multi-stakeholder oversight mechanisms, including civil society monitoring, media engagement, and public reporting platforms. It will also advocate for internal accountability systems within institutions and support anti-corruption training as part of the broader capacity-building agenda.

Budget Estimate (USD)

Legal Review & Reform
- Amount: $XXXXXX
  - Consultancy fees for legal experts
  - Stakeholder consultations and workshops with lawmakers
  - Production of legal frameworks and guidelines
  - Advocacy efforts for political buy-in
Capacity Building
- Amount: $XXXXXX
  - Development of training programs for law enforcement, judiciary, labor inspectors, and other stakeholders
  - Creation of training materials and curriculum development
  - Venue hire for training sessions
  - Facilitation fees for expert trainers
  - Mentoring programs and ongoing skill development efforts
Enforcement Support
- Amount: $XXXXXX
  - Purchase of tools and technology for enforcement agencies (e.g., mobile devices for inspectors, databases)
  - Establishment of interagency coordination platforms
  - Funding for field operations such as joint investigations and inspections
  - Increased resources for labor inspectorates, police, and prosecution units
Community Awareness
- Amount: $XXXXXX
  - Development and distribution of educational materials (e.g., posters, pamphlets, social media campaigns)
  - Radio and TV programs for public education
  - Workshops aimed at raising awareness in vulnerable communities
  - Training of community-based organizations to facilitate local awareness programs
Monitoring & Evaluation
- Amount: $XXXXXX
  - Baseline and end-line assessments
  - Data collection tools and surveys
  - Independent mid-term and final evaluations (including evaluator fees)
  - Creation of a Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) system
  - Stakeholder feedback collection (e.g., focus groups)
Administration
- Amount: $XXXXXX
  - Salaries for project management staff
  - Office supplies and communication costs
  - Travel expenses for field visits and meetings
  - Administrative support for organizing meetings, workshops, and conferences
Total: $XXXXXX
- The total budget will encompass all the above components to ensure effective implementation and impactful outcomes. The project will be managed with transparency and efficiency to achieve the goal of combating forced labor and modern-day slavery.

Implementation Timeline (36 Months)

Year 1: Foundation and Capacity Building
- Comprehensive Legal Reviews:
  - Initiate and complete detailed reviews of existing national laws and policies related to forced labor and modern slavery in the three target countries. Identify legislative gaps and inconsistencies with international standards (e.g., ILO conventions, Palermo Protocol).
- Stakeholder Mapping and Engagement:
  - Conduct thorough stakeholder analysis to identify key actors, including government agencies, civil society organizations, labor unions, and survivors’ networks. Host inception workshops to build partnerships and shared ownership.
- Development of Training Curricula:
  - Design and validate training modules tailored for police, judiciary, labor inspectors, and community-based monitors.
- Pilot Trainings:
  - Conduct initial rounds of training sessions in selected regions to test and refine capacity-building approaches.
- Establish M&E Systems:
  - Develop baseline data collection tools and systems for ongoing monitoring of project indicators.
Year 2: Implementation and Enforcement Strengthening
- Rollout of Enforcement Mechanisms:
  - Begin full-scale implementation of inspection systems, mobile response teams, and prosecution protocols in all pilot regions.
- Adoption of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs):
  - Introduce and institutionalize SOPs for law enforcement and labor inspection, aligned with best practices in victim-centered and rights-based approaches.
- Operationalization of Interagency Coordination Platforms:
  - Launch coordination bodies at the national and regional levels, bringing together police, prosecutors, labor departments, and civil society to enable joint case management and information sharing.
- Public Awareness Campaigns:
  - Launch national and regional communication campaigns using radio, social media, and community forums to raise awareness and encourage reporting.
- Mid-Term Evaluation:
  - Conduct an independent mid-term evaluation to assess progress, gather feedback, and make mid-course corrections as needed.
Year 3: Consolidation and Sustainability
- Policy and Budget Advocacy:
  - Intensify efforts to secure long-term government commitment, including dedicated budget lines and national policy endorsements for anti-slavery interventions.
- Institutionalization of Training and Protocols:
  - Embed training modules into the curricula of police and judicial academies; institutionalize SOPs across enforcement agencies.
- Expansion of Community Monitoring Structures:
  - Strengthen and expand the network of trained community monitors to cover additional high-risk areas.
- Final Evaluations and Impact Assessments:
  - Conduct final project evaluations, including end-line surveys, stakeholder consultations, and an assessment of sustainability prospects.
- Sustainability Planning and Exit Strategy:
  - Finalize sustainability plans with local partners, transition ownership to national institutions, and establish follow-up mechanisms for continued monitoring and support.

Conclusion

Addressing forced labor and modern-day slavery demands a comprehensive, multi-dimensional approach that goes beyond punitive measures. It requires synchronized efforts to strengthen legal frameworks, enhance institutional capacity, and empower communities to prevent, identify, and respond to exploitation. This proposal outlines a robust, evidence-based strategy that aims to harmonize national laws with international standards, build the skills and coordination capacity of frontline actors, and elevate the voices of survivors and at-risk populations. By grounding this initiative in local realities and engaging a wide range of stakeholders—from policymakers and law enforcement to civil society and community leaders—the project seeks to transform both systems and social norms that enable forced labor to persist.

The pathway to lasting change lies in long-term investment, political commitment, and sustained collaboration. This proposal envisions strong national ownership, supported by international expertise and best practices, to create legal and institutional ecosystems that are not only reactive but also preventative. With the right partnerships and a shared commitment to justice, the proposed interventions can significantly reduce the prevalence of forced labor and modern slavery. Ultimately, this initiative aspires to restore dignity, freedom, and opportunity to those most vulnerable, while contributing to a global movement that upholds the fundamental rights of every individual.