The Fight Against Modern Slavery

The Fight Against Modern Slavery In this episode of the Lean to the Left podcast, we dive deep into the alarming issue of human trafficking with modern slavery expert Matthew Friedman, CEO of Mekong Club. With over 29 years of experience, Matthew shares his harrowing journey, shedding light on the exploitation of an estimated 50 million people worldwide. From forced labor in fields and factories to commercial sex trafficking, Matthew reveals the grim realities faced by victims and the economic machinery behind these heinous modern slavery crimes. Listen as he recounts stories from his tenure at USAID and the United Nations, describes the growing threat both globally and in the United States, and presents actionable steps individuals and businesses can take to help combat this vast modern slavery epidemic. What will be the impact of Trump' closure of USAID? "People will die," says Friedman. A real eye-opener into the dark world of human trafficking and modern slavery and the pitiful response to bring it to an end. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Introduction to Human Trafficking 00:29 Meet Matthew Friedman: Modern Slavery Expert 01:23 Matthew's Journey: From Nepal to Activism 01:47 The Horrors of Human Trafficking 05:06 Global Statistics and the Fight Against Modern Slavery 06:55 Corporate Responsibility in Combating Trafficking 08:03 Human Trafficking in the United States 09:42 Forced Labor and Child Exploitation 13:56 The Role of USAID in Combating Trafficking 17:36 How Businesses Can Help 19:56 The Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime 20:50 New Forms of Human Trafficking: Scam Centers 26:02 Volunteerism and Individual Action 30:32 Final Thoughts and Call to Action