Martin Arrowsmith

About the author: Martin Arrowsmith is a writer and activist based in Washington, D.C.

Many human rights organizations, particularly Christian Solidarity International, strive to liberate enslaved Sudanese by purchasing the slaves' freedom, a process known as redemption. Opponents of slave redemption argue that the practice actually perpetuates slavery by driving up the market price of slaves, making slave trading more profitable. However, in many communities, ineffective antislavery legislation and corrupt law enforcement provide substantial bulwarks to freeing slaves. In these countries, redemption is the only way to help victims escape slavery. Until local law enforcement in these communities enforces international laws against slavery, slave redemption may be the only way to liberate slaves.

In southern Sudan a western charity pays $50 per person to free Dinka...