Freedom of Expression, a new exhibition featuring art by survivors of, and communities vulnerable to, modern slavery abuses will raise awareness of the exploitation faced by young people in Bangladesh and Brazil, and around the world.
To mark World Day Against Trafficking in Persons (July 30), the exhibition will be displayed in London Bridge mainline train station, and online, from Monday July 29 – Wednesday August 7, and will feature artwork from young artists aged 7-16, depicting what freedom means to them.
The Freedom Fund, a global fund with the sole aim of helping to end modern slavery, has partnered with frontline organisations to produce this heartfelt and moving series.
Today, approximately 50 million people are living in situations of modern slavery – including here in the UK. A person is in modern slavery if they are forced to work against their will; are owned or controlled by an exploiter or ‘employer’; have limited freedom of movement; or are dehumanised, treated as a commodity or bought and sold as property.
Approximately 3.3 million children are in forced labour globally, with over half in commercial sexual exploitation (CSEC) – four out of five are women and girls. Children cannot legally or developmentally choose to engage in CSEC, and their participation results from manipulation, coercion or desperation.
“This exhibition has helped adolescent girls from the Metropolitan Region of Recife raise their voices to raise awareness about the vulnerabilities they face every day in a new, playful and participatory way. The works demonstrate their desire for freedom, reflecting their dreams of a dignified, happy and violence-free life. They are very excited to know that their works of art will be seen by people all over the world,” said Cecilia Cuentro, Freedom Fund Program Advisor in Brazil.
“The young artists here in Bangladesh rarely have the opportunity to share their experiences, and we’re working with communities to make sure their voices are heard. This exhibition will shine a light on the experiences of young people at risk of exploitation, and they’re thrilled to see their light on a global stage,” added Sumona Choudhury, Freedom Fund Program Advisor in Bangladesh.
The Freedom Fund’s Brazil program works directly with organisations in the Recife, Pernambuco state region of Brazil, that are in collaboration with local government and businesses, to drive changes in policy, public awareness and attitudes. In Bangladesh, we work with organisations in Dhaka, Faridpur and Rajbari to provide direct support to those vulnerable to CSEC, to reduce the prevalence of exploitation in brothels and on the streets, as well as to establish a protective network of families, civil society organisations and government to safeguard children from situations of sexual exploitation.
