On Sunday Washington, D.C. saw a new form of political statement and advocacy, as one local group of concerned citizens and activists took to the football pitch. Amid the midday summer sun the DC Fight Trafficking and Modern Slavery Meet Up group took on the Washington Soccer Society in a “Free to Play” soccer match. The game was to promote a new fair trade soccer ball, which is guaranteed free from slavery, and promote the fight to combat modern slavery and human trafficking. In true anti-slavery fashion the group, who is also known as “Stop Modern Slavery“, made sure the team shirts where 100% slave free, and that is one fashion item that will never go out of style.
The battle for the ball was fierce, as the “Stop Modern Slavery” team worked as hard as ever in the name of anti-trafficking and slavery. The event raised awareness about the fight against modern day slavery, and the new slavery free soccer ball, as well as other fair trade items. While the “Stop Modern Slavery” team, lost this fight on the pitch, but the local DC Trafficking group is not prepared to loose the battle against modern day slavery and human trafficking. While this group of concerned citizens and activists may not be looking to go pro anytime soon, they will fight the fight for the enslaved, on or off the pitch.
This is one game that scored more than goals, as the fever on the pitch wasn't your usual trash talk or banter, as the 'stop Modern Slavery’ team educated their opponents, in between goals and on water brakes. The Washington Soccer Society, where a great support and opponent, and they have surely never learned as much on the pitch as they did on Sunday. It was truly a day of educational fun and real team work from both sides, not to mention another milestone in the battle against modern day slavery and human trafficking.
The only cheers from the sidelines where, S-T-O-P S-L-A-V-E-R-Y N-O-W! Tourists and locals alike enjoyed the spectacle on the Mall, and though curious about the red shirts blazing down the field, they where even more curious to learn about the fight against modern day slavery. With the sun blazing and spirits high, the match was both full of fun and awareness. A game is truly often more than just a game, as these two teams proved as they converged to battle it out in the shadow of the Capital and Lincoln Memorial.
A 9 year old boy in Pakistan, one of many child labors who often suffer pain and permanent injuries, such as ongoing finger, back and neck strain. (Photo: ILO)
Why is human trafficking and slavery currently such a major issue? Human trafficking is spreading more rapidly than ever before and effects every country from South Africa to Russia, including America. According to the State Departments Trafficking in Persons Report, some 600,000-800,000 persons are victims of trafficking each year. These victims are mostly woman and children, many used as sex slaves, or forced to endure harsh labor. The numbers do not always include those who remain enslaved in there own countries, and the true numbers of trafficked persons are much higher. Prices for these modern day slaves are at an all time low, while profits remain high, thus it is worse now than during the days of legalized slavery. Humans have literally become disposable commodities, used for all one can squeeze out of them and then thrown away like garbage when there is nothing left to squeeze.
The soccer ball used in Sundays game was produced by Talon Sports, (for fair trade specific info follow the links to About Trade) and supplied by Fair Trade Sports, in Pakistani. Pakistan is responsible for more than 70% of US soccer ball imports, and for almost 100 years the industry has been known for using child labor. However thanks to the efforts of many child labor activists a great deal has been achieved in the last decade. Talon also supplies Fair Trade balls for rugby, volleyballs, footballs, and basketballs. Talon will begin production on baseballs, softballs and soft-core training baseballs in the fall. While the slavery free sports balls are new to Talon, they are not the first, or only company to produce fair trade sports equipment, see the links following the article for more information.
Companies such as Nike where thrust into the spotlight over child labor speculations and violations, for which Nike pulled production out of Pakistan last November, however this May Nike Resumed Soccer Ball Production in Pakistan. In February 1997, the International Labour Organization (ILO), UNICEF and the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI) signed the "Atlanta Agreement", establishing the Project to Eliminate Child Labour in the Soccer Ball Industry in Pakistan. The agreement led to the external monitoring of registered stitching centers, however much of the industry remained unregistered and continued to use child labor, much of which was, and is done in private homes to avoid detection. The Sialkot Initiative report for 2007, has addressed much still needs to be done, including increasing monitoring efforts to prevent child labor. Unfortunately poverty still reigns and monitoring only keeps much of child labor hidden in the shadows.Through the efforts of such groups at the DC Fight Against Trafficking and Modern Slavery Meet-up, and so many others dedicated to stamping out slavery once and for all, we can look to a future where all children will be “Free to Play”. Children and parents can rest easy knowing that there is a soccer ball that in no way was made by the hands of slaves. Through the use of the slave free soccer ball, advocacy, awareness, education and so many dedicated persons and groups, we hope to see the freedom for all children who are currently enslaved, or at risk of becoming enslaved.
Young girls working long hours stitching soccer balls for the international market. (Photo: ILO)
Get you slave fee sports balls today, and start playing fair and free!
Links:
An inhuman price
RESPECT – Fair Trade Sports
Made By Survivors
The Emancipation Network (TEN)
Ten Thousand Villages
Global March Against Child Labor
Equita – Essentials for Ethical Living – Fair Trade
Global Conduct
Fair Trade Resource Network
Fair Deal Trading -UK
Fair Go Trading – Australia
Fair World Sports – Canada
Fair Trade UK
World Centric
Social Conscience
Etiko Sports -Australia and New Zealand
SCIC Fair Trade Project – Canada
Sweatshop Watch – Has a shopping guide
Make Trade Fair
Fairtrade Foundation
Fair Trade Labeling Organizations International (FLO)
Fair Trade Federation
Support Fair Trade
Fair Trade Resource Network
Fair Trade Federation
Global Exchange
IFAT – The international Fair Trade Association
Transfair USA
Co-op America
Two Hands World Shop
KIDS and FAIR TRADE – A Teacher's and Parent's Guide
