Around the world 27 million people are living as modern-day slaves. Most of these people are women and children and their forced labor is often used to produce goods that end up in the United States.

The United States is by far the biggest purchaser of consumer goods in the world, and US trade policies have global ramifications.

It’s time for the United States to take a stronger stand and ban goods produced using forced labor from entering our country.

The US already regulates imported goods in many ways and most recently adopted tough new standards for toxins and lead content in imported toys. But as we do a better and better job protecting our own children, the US has failed to protect children and adults around the world from the abuses of forced labor.

Tell your representative today that you want a permanent ban on all goods produced using forced labor from entering the US. This step, perhaps more than any other, would have a tremendous impact on the living and working conditions of millions upon millions of people.

photo: marissaorton