The International Labor Organization estimates that nearly 25 million children and adults of all ages and backgrounds are victims of human trafficking, including forced labor and sex trafficking, worldwide. It will take a widespread effort by governments, businesses, and other stakeholders to stop these heinous crimes.
The Global Fund to End Modern Slavery (GFEMS) is a bold public-private partnership developing a $1.5 billion fund to coordinate a coherent, global strategy to end modern slavery by making it economically unprofitable. GFEMS works across sectors and geographies focusing on three core programmatic pillars: rule of law, business engagement, and sustaining freedom. With impressive funding commitments from the governments of the UK, U.S., and Norway, GFEMS is scaling up its strategy of proactively engaging governments and private sector partners to fund transformative programs and technologies to reduce the prevalence of modern slavery.
To date, Lex Mundi member firms in four countries have worked to assist GFEMS to expand its critical mission. Jenner & Block LLP, Steptoe & Johnson, Rajah & Tann Singapore LLP, and Tilleke & Gibbins have all provided pro bono legal advice and counsel to the GFEMS team on a variety of topics including detailed guidance on compliance with government contracts in the U.S. and UK and advice on establishing potential branch entities in Singapore and Thailand.
“GFEMS is grateful to the member firms of Lex Mundi for their partnership and expertise,” said Jean Baderschneider, CEO and Founding Board Member of GFEMS. “We continue to be inspired by our partners around the world who are mobilizing to help build and execute a global strategy to end modern slavery by making it economically unprofitable.”
“Our pro bono work on behalf of GFEMS has been positive on all accounts,” said Paul Hurst, a Partner in Steptoe & Johnson’s Government Contracts practice. “Our team has been able to utilize our expertise in government contracting to help GFEMS establish innovative and impactful programs. Being a partner with an organization with such an important mission and impressive reach has been inspiring.”
NEWS
News On Purpose – August 2021
According to a new report issued by the United Nations on August 9, 2021, our planet is warming faster than predicted. Extreme weather, fires, flooding and drought are becoming common headlines around the world.
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News On Purpose – May 2021
In the face of uncertain times, Lex Mundi member firms rallied together to give back to their communities. In 2020 alone, 74 member firms matched with 99 social entrepreneurs on 202 matters. This is a record high for the Foundation! These numbers are a testament to Lex Mundi attorneys’ commitment to pro bono services.
NEWS
As COVID-19 continues to ravage some countries, others seem to be turning a corner. Governments around the world are being tested, and whether a country is still fighting to contain outbreaks or has found a path toward easing restrictions, without active measures to ensure businesses survive and thrive post-pandemic, economies will continue to suffer.
NEWS
The economic fallout of COVID-19 is upon us and coverage of its reach is prevalent. Stories of businesses closing their doors permanently due to the crisis proliferate the media. From government responses and record unemployment rates to fluctuating markets and threats to commerce, there is no sector left untouched by the global pandemic.
NEWS
The Lex Mundi Pro Bono Foundation is among the founding members of a newly formed alliance of more than 40 global organizations amplifying support of social entrepreneurs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The organizations that comprise alliance collectively support more than 15,000 social entrepreneurs in more than 190 countries. The alliance estimates that their work impacts upwards of 1.5 billion people.
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During this time of profound grief, unrest, and reflection over the mistreatment, abuse, and murder of countless Black Americans in the United States, the Lex Mundi Pro Bono Foundation is proud to support our social impact collaborators and clients working to address systemic racism and advance a more equitable future.