Ceuta crisis: Over 1,000 migrant children at risk of trafficking

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August 16th, 2026 News Digest OUR CAMPAIGN ISSUES IN THE NEWS Human trafficking Ceuta crisis: Over 1,000 migrant children at risk of trafficking Around 1,100 unaccompanied children remain stranded in Spain's Ceuta enclave after a mass border crossing—sleeping on beaches and streets due to overcrowded facilities built for fewer than 100. Girls are at particular risk of sexual exploitation. Experts warn every child outside the protection system is at risk of trafficking. Show more... Take action Human trafficking US Attorney General and Justice Department sued for obstructing Epstein investigation  New Mexico is suing the Justice Department and newly appointed Attorney General Todd Blanche for withholding evidence critical to investigations into Jeffrey Epstein's former ranch. State prosecutors say they made multiple requests for records that could identify co-conspirators—every single one was denied or ignored. Show more... Show more Technology & tools Meta hit with $567 million over harms to children A New Mexico court has ordered Meta to pay $567 million and impose new child safety measures—bringing total penalties to $942 million. A jury found earlier this year that Meta knowingly harmed children and concealed what it knew about child sexual exploitation on Facebook and Instagram. Show more... Show more From the archives Forced marriage America’s child marriage problem is still being ignored November 01, 2025—Ending child marriage would not erase family hardship, but it would draw a clear legal line protecting minors from coercion, exploitation, and abuse. So why do 33 US states still allow child marriage? In your own words Re: Five Al Fayed survivors recognized as modern slavery victims by UK Home Office   "Another example of the influence of wealthy individuals to use social status and associations to hide criminal antisocial behavior, in this case slavery, sexual assaults and tax avoidance through the failures of those who should have acted to stop each instance but turned a blind eye." —Gerald   Read the story here. Forward this email to friends to keep them updated about new developments in the movement against modern slavery. If you’re not already receiving our news digest on a weekly basis, click here to subscribe. Governments vary widely on forced labor laws—and US tariff pressure since March 2026 has triggered a wave of new legislation worldwide. Use our country-by-country tracker to see where your government stands, from proposed bills to laws already in force.   Everything we do—holding the powerful to account, exposing injustice, fighting modern slavery—is powered by our readers. We're independently run with no government funding. So, if you can, please make a small donation. It goes a long way. Donate Dianne Pratt Freedom United Modern slavery is increasing, and too often powerful companies and governments fail to act with the urgency needed to protect people. That's why independent advocacy like Freedom United's is so vital. If you're able, please consider chipping in or becoming a monthly donor to help keep this work going. Become a monthly donor ©2026 Freedom United is a registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. EIN: 47-1249214 7320 Abron Dr, Durham, NC 27713 USA View this Email in a Browser     Unsubscribe      Privacy Policy      Feedback      Content Guidelines