Here are some of the best books on our bookshelf about modern slavery and human trafficking. We’ve read them all and highly recommend you read as many as you can too!
Fighting Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking: History and Contemporary Policy – Edited by Genevieve LeBaron, Jessica R. Pliley and David W. Blight.
Large numbers of researchers, non-governmental organisations, trade unions, workers, and others who would seem like natural allies in the fight against modern slavery and trafficking are hugely skeptical of these movements. They object to how the problems are framed, and are skeptical of the “new abolitionist” movement. Why? This book tackles key controversies surrounding the anti-slavery and anti-trafficking movements head on. Champions and skeptics explore the fissures and fault lines that surround efforts to fight modern slavery and human trafficking today.
Combatting Modern Slavery: why labour governance is failing and what we can do about it – Genevieve LeBaron.
In this landmark book, Genevieve LeBaron lifts the lid on a labour governance regime that is severely flawed and limited. She takes a close-up look at the millions of corporate dollars spent on anti-slavery networks, NGO partnerships, lobbying for new transparency legislation, and investment in social auditing and ethical certification schemes, to show how such efforts serve to bolster corporate growth and legitimacy as well as government reputations, whilst failing to protect the world’s most vulnerable workers.
The Truth About Modern Slavery – Emily Kenway.
The Truth About Modern Slavery reveals how modern slavery has been created as a political tool by those in power. It shows how anti-slavery action acts as a moral cloak, hiding the harms of the ‘hostile environment’ towards migrants, legitimising big brands’ exploitation of the poorest workers and oppressing sex workers. Blaming the media’s complicity, rich philanthropists’ opportunism and our collective failure to realise the lies we’re being told, The Truth About Modern Slavery provides a vital challenge to conventional narratives on modern slavery.
Stolen Lives – Louise Hulland.
Stolen Lives examines trafficking and slavery in Britain, hearing from those on the front line, including the police and charities involved with support and recovery. Powerful and moving testimony from survivors reveals the individual stories behind the headlines and charts one young woman’s terrifying and ultimately inspiring journey to freedom and independence. Finally, it shows us what we can do to make a difference.
How to Break Up with Fast Fashion – Lauren Bravo.
Fast fashion is the ultimate toxic relationship. It’s bad news for the planet, our brains and our bank balances. We can’t go on like this; our shopping habits need an overhaul. How To Break Up With Fast Fashion will help you to change your mindset, fall back in love with your wardrobe and embrace more sustainable ways of shopping – from the clothes swap to the charity shop. Full of refreshing honesty and realistic advice, Lauren will inspire you to repair, recycle and give your unloved items a new lease of life without sacrificing your style.
The Outlaw Ocean – Ian Urbina.
The oceans are some of the last untamed frontiers on our planet. Too big to police, and under no clear international authority, these treacherous waters play host to the extremes of human behaviour and activity. From traffickers, smugglers and pirates to vigilante conservationists, stowaways and sea-bound abortion-providers, Ian Urbina introduces us to the inhabitants of this hidden world and their risk-fraught lives. Through their extraordinary stories, he uncovers a globe-spanning network of crime and exploitation that emanates from the fishing, oil and shipping industries – but to which all of us are connected.
The Girl with the Louding Voice – Abi Daré.
At fourteen, Adunni dreams of getting an education and giving her family a more comfortable home in her small Nigerian village. Instead, Adunni’s father sells her off to become the third wife of an old man. When tragedy strikes in her new home, Adunni flees to the wealthy enclaves of Lagos, where she becomes a house-girl to the cruel Big Madam, and prey to Big Madam’s husband. But despite her situation continuously going from bad to worse, Adunni refuses to let herself be silenced. And one day, someone hears her.
Slave to Fashion – Safia Minney.
Slave to Fashion is made up of interviews and micro-documentaries with the people caught in slavery, making the clothes sold on our high streets, in Europe and the developing world. It also profiles best practice of brands and designers within the fashion industry to prove that slave-free fashion is achievable and fashion can be used to empower workers – whilst creating beautiful, competitive and accessible fashion. Slave to Fashion brings in the facts, stories and actions we must take to eradicate modern slavery.