Urgent action needed as tens of thousands in Ghana experience modern slavery

50 million people are living in modern slavery globally, which includes people subjected to forced labour, human trafficking, and forced and child marriage.

In response to this global crisis, more than 300 faith leaders, survivors, civil society groups, and government representatives are gathering in Accra, Ghana, on 8 October.

The Faith in Action Against Modern Slavery Conference marks 10 years of the Global Freedom Network (GFN) and renews the global commitment to ending modern slavery.

Faith communities, representing nearly half of the world’s population, have long been at the forefront of humanitarian action.

Their moral authority and networks position them as powerful changemakers in shifting harmful norms, influencing policy, and supporting survivors.

“Faith leaders are uniquely positioned to change hearts, minds, and norms. They often serve as the moral compass of their communities,” Head of the Global Freedom Network Franca Pellegrini said.

“This conference is a moment to honour the resilience of survivors, celebrate progress made, and confront the ongoing realities of modern slavery with hope and determination.

“Freedom is a sacred right, and faith has a sacred responsibility to protect it.”

Survivor leadership will be a defining theme of the conference, with speakers emphasising that lived experience must guide action and reform.

Delegates will hear from survivors of forced marriage and human trafficking, who will share how faith and community support played a role in their journey to freedom.

The conference will identify urgent priorities for global action, including:

The Global Freedom Network was founded in 2014 with the historic Joint Declaration of Religious Leaders Against Modern Slavery at the Vatican.

Since then, it has united leaders across Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Judaism in a shared commitment to end slavery.

Since then, GFN has expanded its reach globally, launching tools such as the Faith for Freedom app to equip faith leaders with practical resources to identify and respond to exploitation.

Over the past decade, GFN has worked with faith leaders in dozens of countries, supported regional declarations, and mobilised communities at both grassroots and international levels.

The conference in Ghana is both a celebration of progress and a call to urgent action.

Participants are pledging to continue building a global interfaith movement that dismantles the structures enabling modern slavery.

“Modern slavery is not just a legal issue — it is a moral crisis,” Pellegrini said.

“When faith communities speak with one voice, they can shift culture, influence policy, and transform lives. Together, we can and must end modern slavery.”

The Faith in Action Against Modern Slavery Conference is open to both in-person and online participation.

To learn more, visit the Global Freedom Network event website.