The Hidden Epidemic: Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery in the UK
This month we’re concentrating on the issue of human trafficking as it’s World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on July 30, 2024. Events planned will focus on raising awareness about […]
This month we’re concentrating on the issue of human trafficking as it’s World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on July 30, 2024.
Events planned will focus on raising awareness about the issue as it’s crucial to shed light on the persistent and often invisible crisis of human trafficking and modern slavery. Despite increased awareness and legislative efforts, this global issue continues to affect thousands of lives in the UK and millions worldwide.
The Modern Slavery Act 2015 marked a significant step in the UK’s fight against human trafficking, defining 17 types of modern slavery offences recognised by the Home Office. The
However, despite these legal protections, the problem persists and in is growing. In 2022, there were 16,938 referrals to the UK’s National Referral Mechanism, the system used to identify potential victims of modern slavery. Shockingly, 78% (13,290) of these referrals were male, while 21% (3,634) were female. These numbers represent only a fraction of the actual cases, as many victims remain undetected or are too afraid to come forward.
The gender disparity in these statistics challenges common perceptions of human trafficking victims. While media portrayals often focus on women and girls trafficked for sexual exploitation, the reality is that men and boys are also highly vulnerable, particularly in forced labour situations.
Traffickers exploit vulnerabilities, such as poverty, lack of education, and displacement due to conflict or natural disasters. The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated these vulnerabilities, creating new opportunities for exploitation as economic pressures mount and traditional support systems are strained.
The Human Trafficking Foundation works to provide information and guidance on human trafficking and Modern Slavery. They encourage individuals to play a role by educating themselves on the signs of human trafficking, signposting organisations that assist victims, and advocating for stronger anti-trafficking policies.
As we observe World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, it’s essential to recognise that combating this issue requires a multifaceted approach. This includes:
- Strengthening law enforcement and prosecution efforts
- Enhancing victim identification and support services
- Addressing root causes through poverty reduction and education initiatives
- Increasing public awareness to help identify and report potential cases.
- Fostering international cooperation to tackle cross-border trafficking networks.
The fight against human trafficking and modern slavery is far from over. As we look towards July 30, 2024, let us recommit to eradicating this heinous crime and protecting the dignity and freedom of all individuals. Only through collective action can we hope to create a world where no person is subjected to exploitation and where every individual’s human rights are respected and protected.
Other organisations who work in this space.
For Reference: The Modern Slavery Act 2015 marked a significant step in the UK’s fight against human trafficking, defining 17 types of modern slavery offences recognized by the Home Office:
- Slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour
- Human trafficking
- Committing offence with intent to commit human trafficking
- Committing offence of human trafficking
- Arranging or facilitating the travel of another person with a view to exploitation
- Arranging or facilitating the travel of another person with a view to exploitation (child victim)
- Committing offence other than human trafficking with intent to commit human trafficking
- Conspiracy to commit human trafficking offence
- Failure to notify authority of suspected victim of slavery or human trafficking
- Breach of slavery and trafficking prevention order or interim order
- Breach of slavery and trafficking risk order or interim order
- Breach of slavery and trafficking prevention order or interim order (Scotland)
- Breach of slavery and trafficking risk order or interim order (Scotland)
- Breach of slavery and trafficking prevention order or interim order (Northern Ireland)
- Breach of slavery and trafficking risk order or interim order (Northern Ireland)
- Committing offence with intent to commit human trafficking offence (Scotland)
- Committing offence with intent to commit human trafficking offence (Northern Ireland)
Modern slavery and human trafficking – National Crime Agency
Modern slavery in the UK – Anti-Slavery International (antislavery.org)
