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Amidst headlines dominated by the U.S. Presidential Election, global conflicts and a dramatic increase in natural disasters, the issue of modern slavery and human trafficking can easily fade into the background. Yet, UK Anti-Slavery Day, on October 18th, serves as a powerful reminder of the silent suffering endured by millions around the world. Shockingly, 49.6 million people are trapped in modern slavery today. Approximately 1 in 3 of these victims are vulnerable children, who have been robbed of their freedom and their innocence. UK Anti-Slavery Day provides an opportunity to focus public attention on those being exploited and to reinvigorate the fight against modern slavery and human trafficking.
Our patron Cherie Blair (CBE) highlighted that “exploitation is not something happening far away; it is embedded right here in British businesses”. A recent investigation revealed that a criminal gang exploited 16 vulnerable victims, forcing them to work at McDonald’s and a bakery supplying major supermarkets. They lived in cramped accommodation, were paid only a few pounds a day, forced to work extreme hours, and controlled through fear and violence. Click here to learn more about this case and what we must learn from it.
A lot of red flags of exploitation were missed or overlooked in this case. So...
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