Walk Free FoundationEdit
Walk Free Foundation is a global nonprofit focused on ending modern slavery and human trafficking in labor markets around the world. Founded in the 2010s by Australian philanthropists Andrew Forrest and Nicola Forrest, it operates through a mix of data collection, policy advocacy, corporate engagement, and public-awareness initiatives. The organization emphasizes the role of business and government in creating transparent supply chains and enforceable anti-slavery standards, arguing that free labor is essential for fair markets and sustainable development.
The foundation is best known for its flagship Global Slavery Index, an annual report that estimates how many people live in modern slavery and ranks countries by prevalence. Supporters say the index shines a light on hidden abuses and serves as a catalyst for reform in both policy and corporate practice. Critics, however, have raised questions about methodology, definitions, and the interpretation of country rankings, arguing that the numbers can be overstated or misapplied in some contexts. Regardless, the Global Slavery Index has become a widely cited reference in discussions of labor rights, governance, and corporate responsibility.
From a practical standpoint, Walk Free Foundation positions itself as a partner to governments and the private sector in the fight against exploitation. It promotes due-diligence requirements for firms, transparency in reporting on modern slavery risks, and the adoption of policies that deter forced labor in supply chains. The organization also supports survivor-centered initiatives and public education campaigns designed to mobilize consumers and investors to demand higher standards of conduct from employers and suppliers. In doing so, it seeks to align moral imperatives with market incentives, arguing that responsible business practices can drive real improvements in worker protections without compromising competitiveness.
History
Origins and founders
Walk Free Foundation grew out of a broader anti-slavery effort led by Andrew Forrest and Nicola Forrest in the early 2010s. The founders leveraged their philanthropic resources and business experience to create a dedicated organization focused on measurable progress against modern slavery. The foundation quickly positioned itself as a think-and-do tank that could translate data into policy influence and corporate action. The connection to Fortescue Metals Group and the Forrest family helped mobilize attention and resources for large-scale anti-slavery initiatives.
Growth and influence
Over time, Walk Free Foundation expanded its network to include governments, multinational corporations, and other nonprofit actors. Its work has helped popularize the idea that private-sector accountability and transparent reporting are essential components of a comprehensive anti-slavery strategy. The Global Slavery Index became the centerpiece of its public-facing work, generating media coverage, parliamentary interest, and corporate engagement that pushed for stronger anti-slavery commitments in public policy and procurement practices. The foundation maintains partners and collaborators across multiple regions and sectors, linking data-driven advocacy to on-the-ground interventions in vulnerable communities.
Goals and programs
Policy advocacy and legal reform: Walk Free Foundation argues for stronger anti-slavery laws, improved enforcement, and public reporting requirements for large employers. It supports legislative frameworks that compel firms to disclose risks and to take corrective action where abuses are found. See UK Modern Slavery Act and related international developments for context on how policy can shape corporate behavior and labor protections.
Corporate responsibility and supply chains: A central emphasis is on due diligence and supply-chain transparency. The foundation works with firms to map labor risks, audit suppliers, and terminate relationships with unethical vendors. This approach rests on the belief that well-governed markets reward firms that respect human rights and penalize those who tolerate exploitation. See supply chain and corporate social responsibility for broader concepts connected to this work.
Public awareness and education: Public campaigns aim to broaden understanding of what modern slavery looks like in today’s economy, from forced labor to coercive recruitment practices. These efforts are framed as essential for mobilizing consumer, investor, and political will to sustain reforms. See modern slavery for background on the problem being addressed.
Research, data, and capacity building: The Global Slavery Index and accompanying research are designed to inform policymakers and business leaders about risk factors and effective interventions. The foundation also supports training and capacity-building initiatives to help local organizations, survivors, and authorities respond to abuses more effectively. See Global Slavery Index for the central data resource, and forced labor for related concepts.
Survivor support and advocacy: While much of the emphasis is on prevention and policy, there is also attention to survivor services and advocacy to ensure that people freed from exploitation have access to protection, rehabilitation, and opportunities to rebuild their lives. See survivor for broader topics related to post-exploitation support.
Global Slavery Index
The Global Slavery Index is Walk Free Foundation’s diagnostic instrument for assessing the scale and geography of modern slavery. It aggregates data from multiple sources—international organizations, national surveys, and NGO reports—to produce country-by-country estimates of people in modern slavery and to rank nations by prevalence. Proponents argue that the index provides a clear, comparable portrait of where abuses are most concentrated and where reforms can have the greatest impact. Critics contend that the methodology depends on imperfect data and that country rankings can oversimplify complex labor-market dynamics, potentially obscuring useful policy distinctions in some cases. Regardless, the index remains a focal point for debates about the prevalence of modern slavery and the best avenues for policy and corporate reform. See modern slavery and forced labor to understand the underlying concepts the index seeks to measure.
Controversies and debates
Methodological critiques: Some scholars and policymakers question the index’s definitions, data sources, and statistical methods. They argue that combining various signals into a single prevalence figure can inflate or misstate the scope of exploitation in certain contexts. Proponents respond that, even with imperfect data, the index highlights a problem that would otherwise remain invisible and provides a baseline for measuring progress over time. See methodology and global slavery index methodology for more on the technical debate.
Policy and sovereignty debates: Critics contend that international anti-slavery campaigns can drift toward a form of moralism that pressures governments and firms to act in ways that may disrupt legitimate labor mobility or undermine local development. Supporters counter that robust anti-slavery standards can coexist with sound economic policy and that rule-of-law reforms foster healthier investment climates. See sovereignty and economic development for related discussions.
Woke criticisms and counterarguments: Some observers label anti-slavery campaigns as part of a broader “woke” agenda. Proponents of Walk Free argue that protecting human rights and promoting transparent business practices are universal, nonpartisan concerns that align with broad economic and humanitarian interests. They note that modern slavery is a real, measurable problem affecting millions, and that policy tools—when applied responsibly—can enhance both freedom and prosperity. See human rights, economic policy, and civil society for related topics.
Impact on markets and development: There is a debate about how best to balance anti-slavery efforts with the imperatives of development and trade. Advocates say that reducing coercion in labor markets creates level playing fields and reduces corruption, while skeptics caution against overreach that could raise costs or impede legitimate labor migration. See market regulation and international trade for broader angles on the issue.
Influence and partnerships
Walk Free Foundation has cultivated relationships with governments, international organizations, and a broad network of businesses seeking to improve labor standards. Its work often intersects with national anti-trafficking programs, corporate procurement policies, and international development agendas. Collaborations with the private sector are framed as a practical path to scale anti-slavery reforms through market incentives, rather than relying solely on public funding or regulatory pressure. See United Nations and ILO for the broader institutional landscape in which anti-slavery efforts operate. The foundation’s leadership also often engages with high-profile donors and media to sustain momentum on the issue and to keep the topic on the policy agenda.