It looks like you are using an out of date browser.
Please update your browser in order to use this website.

Open letter to Rishi Sunak over Safety of Rwanda Act

Posted on by Rosalyn Roden

The anti-trafficking sector has written to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak expressing our “deep sadness and concern” as the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill becomes law.

Hope for Justice is one of 28 signatories of the joint open letter, which includes survivors of modern slavery and other non-governmental organisations (NGOs) working to combat human trafficking.

Despite multiple warnings over the harmful impacts the legislation will have, the bill was passed without consultation with the anti-trafficking sector or those with lived experience of modern slavery. It received royal assent today, which means it has now passed into law. It will formally be known as the Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Act 2024.

Phillipa Roberts, Head of Research and Policy at Hope for Justice, said: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of the Safety of Rwanda Bill through the House of Lords. The Supreme Court have already ruled the Rwanda Asylum Policy to be unlawful. The Safety of Rwanda Bill is anything but safe for those seeking refuge and victims of modern slavery. It signals yet another erosion of the rule of law and the international rights of those seeking refuge and victims of modern slavery.”

After countless challenges and efforts to amend, obstruct and avert the plan, the bill was passed in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

MPs and peers had engaged in what is known as parliamentary ping-pong, with the legislation passing between the two houses, for several months. On Monday night, the Commons rejected the Lords amendments to the bill for the third time.

On Monday 15th April, the Government rejected calls to exempt victims of modern slavery from the Rwanda scheme, instead tabling its own amendment which MPs voted to support. The proposal put forward by Home Secretary James Cleverly was for an annual report to be provided on the impact of the Rwanda Scheme on modern slavery and human trafficking victims.

An aeroplane takes off at Heathrow Airport. Unsplash image, Sebastian Grochowicz

In recent months, Hope for Justice has written briefing papers for MPs on this issue, published recommendations and sought to raise awareness of the damaging effects that the bill could have.

In addition to writing to the Prime Minister, the anti-trafficking sector has also sent the open letter to a number of MPs, ministers and shadow ministers.

Below is our letter in full:

Dear Prime Minister,

We write as survivors and organisations working across the UK to tackle modern slavery to express our deep sadness and concern at the passing of the Safety of Rwanda Act.

This legislation and the policy which it advances has been introduced without consultation with subject matter experts or people with lived experience of modern slavery. One survivor leader expert explained that the policy: 

‘echoes the actions of traffickers – to be moved somewhere new, somewhere uncertain and miles away – the fear of something happening there and it’s like there is nothing human – dehumanising and being exported like goods. If only, this much effort was to disrupt traffickers.’

Erosion of protection for those seeking refuge including victims of modern slavery

Anti-slavery organisations have long warned about the harmful conflation of modern slavery and immigration control. This piece of legislation is the latest in a series of steps which have eroded the protection of those seeking refuge in the UK and survivors of modern slavery. Rather than addressing the problem, this approach will only create barriers to identifying survivors, limit their access to much-needed support, exacerbate vulnerability to further exploitation and allow serious organised criminals to act with impunity.  

The policy is an attempt to deter people from coming to the UK by irregular routes, but the notion that an individual can be deterred from being trafficked fundamentally misunderstands the exploitative nature of this crime. Traffickers prey upon those who already face multiple disadvantages and vulnerabilities and deny their victims agency. In this context, a policy of deterrence aimed at survivors is nonsensical and attempts to punish them is deeply problematic.

Lack of evidence-based policy

The Government’s own statistics call into question one of the central arguments it makes for its policy of removing survivors of trafficking. Data from the National Referral Mechanism showed that nobody was excluded from accessing support on the basis of ‘bad faith’ in 2023, following the passage of the Nationality and Borders Act. There is no evidence of widespread abuse of the system of support, and therefore no justification for the undermining of survivors’ rights to protection.

Breach of our international obligations

The UK is obliged under international law to protect survivors of modern slavery and trafficking and prevent exploitation. An individual’s right to be free from slavery under Article 4 ECHR is not one from which the UK is able to derogate, even in times of emergency. By removing people to Rwanda, the UK is reneging on its obligations, and delegating responsibility to a country which is not signatory to the ECHR and ECAT and where there is therefore no accountability structure to protect those who have been trafficked.

Rwanda is categorised by the US State Department’s Office to Monitor & Combat Trafficking in Persons as a ‘tier two’ country which does not meet the minimum standards for eliminating trafficking in several key areas. How can it therefore be deemed safe for survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking?

Impact of hostility on survivors

The hostility to survivors of modern slavery has created a culture of fear and distrust. Survivors are increasingly fearful of disclosing their experience or trusting state authorities. Not only does this harm their recovery, but it hinders the ability of law enforcement to hold traffickers to account. Rather than criminalising victims, efforts must be made to ensure traffickers cannot act with impunity.

We urge you to reverse this immoral, ineffective and costly plan and would welcome the opportunity to discuss what an effective anti-slavery strategy might entail. 

Yours sincerely,

  1. Hope for Justice
  2. The Snowdrop Project
  3. Flourish NI
  4. Pan-African Workers’ Association (PAWA)
  5. Bakhita Centre for Research on Slavery, Exploitation and Abuse, St Mary’s University
  6. Hope at Home
  7. The JAM Network UK 
  8. The Passage 
  9. The UK BME Anti-Slavery Network (BASNET)
  10. A21
  11. Ella’s 
  12. Medaille Trust
  13. Caritas Bakhita House
  14. Kalayaan
  15. The Croydon Community Against Trafficking
  16. Focus on Labour Exploitation (FLEX) 
  17. Anti Trafficking and Labour Exploitation Unit (ATLEU)
  18. After Exploitation
  19. Anti-Trafficking Monitoring Group (ATMG)
  20. Helen Bamber Foundation
  21. Tamar
  22. Anti-Slavery International
  23. Freedom United
  24. Unseen
  25. ECPAT UK (Every Child Protected Against Trafficking) 
  26. Walk Free 
  27. Latin American Women’s Rights Service (LAWRS)
  28. Survivor Alliance UK CIC

What can you do this Earth Day to help prevent trafficking?

Posted on by Rosalyn Roden

We are all seeing the effects of climate change on our world. This month, I’ve heard people make comments like, “We’re seriously due some sunshine”, “It’s still icy cold” and “We’ve had hailstones here – it’s April!” 

Today – April 22nd – is Earth Day. This started out as a day of action in 1970 but has now grown to mobilize more than one billion people worldwide to protect the planet. 

We’ve previously written about some of the intersections between modern slavery and climate change. Whether it is people’s increased vulnerability to trafficking due to climate-induced displacement, or increased child forced labour in the agricultural sector as a result of heavy rainfall or drought, evidence shows that the climate crisis is leaving millions at risk of modern slavery. And the two social issues are sadly inextricably linked; modern slavery is exacerbating climate change. 

This year, EARTHDAY.ORG is centring its annual event on the theme ‘Planet vs. Plastics’. Its goal is a 60% reduction in the production of all plastics by 2040.

Plastic pollution in the river in Vazhoor, India

So, what are the links between plastic and modern slavery?

Plastic exists in almost every industry and we don’t have to look far to see it in everyday life. Be it children’s toys, food packaging or household goods such as kettles, hairdryers and cling film. More than one third of consumption is in packaging, such as containers and plastic bags. Another third is used in building products including plastic pipes or vinyl cladding. 

While it certainly has its uses, there’s no denying the harmful and damaging effects of this material on our planet. But how is it connected to modern slavery? More than 77% of companies believe slavery is likely to exist in their supply chain (‘Corporate Leadership on Modern Slavery’ survey, ETI/Hult International Business School, 2016). And industries involving plastic production, packaging, waste and recycling are no exemption. 

In 2017, two-thirds of the victims of modern slavery that Hope for Justice engaged with had spent at least some time in exploitation in waste management facilities in the UK. In some cases, waste-recycling firms have been accused, sued or found guilty of involvement in human trafficking and modern slavery as a way of sourcing cheap labour.  

Due to the nature of the waste and recycling industry, there are many entry points that traffickers can exploit. Low staff retention rates, the employment of seasonal and temporary workers, and the high demand for workers make it easier for perpetrators to infiltrate supply chains and to operate without being detected. 

Traffickers tend to target those who are vulnerable because it makes it much easier to gain and maintain control over the victim. This can be those living in poverty, those displaced, those unable to access other employment, people fleeing conflict, runaway children, homeless or otherwise. 

Victims of modern slavery are being forced to work, for little or no pay, in business operations and supply chains all over the world, and this includes those of recycling plants, waste companies and factories handling plastic goods. 

What is Hope for Justice doing to prevent modern slavery in business supply chains?

In 2018, Hope for Justice launched Slave-Free Alliance, a not-for-profit social enterprise to help businesses protect their operations and supply chains against modern slavery. 

Through expert consultancy, training, policy recommendations and more, Slave-Free Alliance is working with more than 115 members and clients. The team offers services including site assessments, gap analysis and consultancy. Members include Aviva, Experian, Dixons Carphone, Biffa, Morrisons and AstraZeneca, to name a few. 

Our team works with businesses to identify and monitor potential risks, understand if due diligence is being carried out, measure progress and work to mitigate risks. 

You can find out more about Slave-Free Alliance here.

The intersection between modern slavery, climate change and migration

Climate disasters or the degradation of the environment, which is often as a result of harmful economic activities such as oil extraction and mining, can lead to people being displaced from their homes. 

A child carries water back home in Merti, Kenya

The World Bank estimates that climate change – including crop failures, water shortages and sea-level rise – will force more than 143 million people from their homes by 2050. Those affected will mainly be in sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia and Latin America.

This is the worst part – that those people who are most affected by climate change are the ones who have contributed least to it.

Research by IIED in two states in India found that people migrating to escape slow onset climate disasters like drought are two and a half times more likely to experience trafficking or modern slavery than those people fleeing rapid onset disasters like floods or cyclones. 

This forced migration increases people’s vulnerability to exploitation. Refugees may be taken advantage of by traffickers who, through force, fraud or coercion, exploit them, sometimes within the very industries that caused their displacement. Sadly, people on the move are more vulnerable to forced labour because their livelihoods are either at risk or have been lost. They may be more easily tricked into accepting hazardous, exploitative conditions to earn a wage. 

Anticipatory action to move people to safety before disasters strike can help to reduce the risks of human trafficking. In Uganda, for instance, the government implemented a 10-year voluntary resettlement programme to relocate inhabitants to safer areas in Bulambuli district after the eastern part of the country began experiencing more landslide disasters. The project provided housing, infrastructure, services, income generating activities and land, all of which will have prevented people from falling into exploitative labour conditions. 

Sadly, there are many more intersections between climate change and modern slavery beyond migration, which mean we must look at these social causes together rather than as isolated issues.

Forced labour is powering fast fashion

As part of this global Earth Day, calls are being made to raise awareness of the health risks of plastic, to phase out all single use plastics, for a UN Treaty on Plastic Pollution, and an end to fast fashion. 

Last year, we took a deep-dive into some of the impacts of the fashion industry on modern slavery. We highlighted that more than 20% of the world’s cotton comes from just one notorious region, with well-documented human rights abuses. Forced labour is rife in global garment supply chains. The 2023 Global Slavery Index report highlighted that G20 countries are importing $147.9 billion worth of garments and $12.7 billion worth of textiles every year that are at risk of being produced by forced labour.

A clothes factory in Indonesia (stock image)

Hope for Justice has made a number of recommendations for fashion brands to further their anti-slavery agendas and ensure protection for those most vulnerable in their operations and supply chain. 

There is also much evidence to show that climate change is impacting working practices in other fields and industries. 

A report by the University of Nottingham’s Rights Lab, Royal Holloway University of London and the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner explains links between climate change and abuse in certain industries, for example in the Thai fishing industry.  

It highlights a specific link between over-fishing, the environmental decline of fish stocks, and the exploitative labour practices on fishing boats. 

Further still, the research looks at forest areas, particularly the destructive nature of the logging industry, leading to debt-bonded labour and deforestation. Other studies have highlighted the dependency in Brazil and Indonesia on expensive charcoal, cattle and palm oil industries upon an exploited workforce. This shows that debt-bonded labour is entangled with deforestation and large-scale clearing of the Amazon, Sumatran and Bornean forests.

New research featured in the report from Royal Holloway explores the lives of debt-bonded workers on brick kilns, and the trajectory that led them there from rural villages across Cambodia.

How can I play a part in preventing modern slavery and protecting the planet?

Consumers provide the demand and profit incentive for traffickers. Human trafficking victims make an alarmingly high number of consumer goods and food products, imported to the United States and produced domestically. More often than we realize, elements of forced labour may be present within the supply chain of products we buy or the services we pay for. These consumers can include companies that subcontract certain types of services, end-consumers who buy cheap goods produced by trafficking victims, or individuals who use the services of trafficking victims (Polaris, 2021).

We all have buying power

We can use our knowledge about modern slavery and human trafficking to inform our decisions. We all have buying power – so where we choose to, or choose not to, use our money has influence. 

When we purchase vegetables that have plastic packaging around them instead of the loose vegetables next to them, we’re contributing to the plastic problem.

Similarly, when we choose to purchase cheap chocolate that contains palm oil, we’re likely fuelling the problem of forced labour on cocoa farms.

Instead, why not buy loose fruit and vegetables, buy items that are wrapped in other more renewable materials such as paper, or look for the Fairtrade logo?

Instead of buying new clothing, can you purchase second-hand? Could you use an app such as Vinted, try looking in charity shops, or even organise a clothes swap with your friends? Better still, you could raise some money for Hope for Justice along the way by donating the difference of what you might have otherwise paid for the full-price item in a shop.

We all have a voice

Make your voice heard; send an email to the companies that make your favourite brands. Ask them what action they have taken to end modern slavery. Most companies have an email address for general enquiries or a ‘Contact Us’ form on their website.

It is our responsibility as consumers to demand of businesses and supermarkets that the products being sold to us have been produced ethically throughout the supply chain.

Or why not talk about the issue of modern slavery on social media? Use your platform to raise awareness.

Just as a seed starts off small – under the right conditions, with food and water and care, it grows into a tree and bears fruit. Similarly, our efforts may seem small, but when combined with the positive actions of other people, we can be a force for good.

Now safe: teenager whose mother was selling her for drug money

Posted on by Adam Hewitt

A teenager who was being sold by her own mother is now living far away and in safety thanks to a swift intervention by Hope for Justice’s Midwest Regional Center.

Our investigators at the center, which is based in Iowa but covers a wider geographical region, received a call for assistance from a person living in California, called Emily. We were told that Emily’s much younger sister, Becky*, was being sold by their biological mother for money and drugs. It later transpired that this nightmare for Becky had begun when she was only seven years old.

Emily and Becky are half-sisters, they both share the same mother; however, Emily is now an adult while Becky is still a younger teenager. Emily recently learned what was happening – that her sister was a victim of human trafficking at the hands of their own mother – and immediately called Hope for Justice for help. Emily said she could provide a good home for Becky where she would be safe, and that she would be willing to become Becky’s legal guardian.

After receiving the call, our investigators met with Emily to gather as much information as possible. They realized the urgency of the situation and acted quickly to remove Becky from this situation of abuse. Emily turned this information over to law enforcement in her area and the case was investigated; however, not enough information was developed for the local police department to act immediately.

Instead, Hope for Justice worked with family court and with a private attorney. We also assisted with a forensic interview with Emily, where the information was corroborated and used in the court proceedings. Our team coordinated with Victim Services, who began working with Becky and Emily.

We kept pushing to ensure the guardianship transfer could move forward, while also working with Child Services. With their assistance, and following thorough background checks to ensure Emily was a suitable guardian and was telling the truth, the court was able to change Becky’s last name and award guardianship.

Hope for Justice team leader for the Midwest Region, Senior Investigator David Gonzalez (pictured), said: “We were able to remove Becky from an exploited situation and place her with a family member who can continually provide her much-needed support.”

Becky is now safe with her sister, living far away from the mother. Becky continues to receive victim services and the criminal investigation continues.

*Names changed to protect identities

Will you stand against slavery in upcoming local elections?

Posted on by Rosalyn Roden

The upcoming local elections in the UK are a vital opportunity to advance efforts to rid communities of exploitation.

Modern slavery is happening on our doorsteps, in our towns and villages, and so it’s vital that our response to tackling it is not just national, but also local.

Hope for Justice has extensive experience of working with multi-agency partners to prevent exploitation, safeguard survivors and hold traffickers to account.

So, we want to equip candidates and voters ahead of the local elections on Thursday 2nd May to ensure that modern slavery is kept high on the agenda.

Voters will go to the polls on Thursday 2nd May. Stock image

Hope for Justice’s proven local methods of working

Hope for Justice’s ongoing work to tackle modern slavery has been enhanced through community engagement. By working in partnership with local stakeholders, the charity has improved prevention and identification of survivors.

We have prioritised proactive outreach, which has resulted in identifying survivors and protecting those who are most at risk of exploitation. Our teams also build effective relationships with key local partners which in turn creates pathways into support services for survivors. We are trusted to initiate and lead on strategic developments within the sector, such as modern slavery partnerships.

In addition to community engagement and proactive outreach, Hope for Justice employs Independent Modern Slavery Advocates (IMSAs) to work alongside survivors.

IMSAs are trained experts who consider a survivor’s social needs and legal rights together.

We work with survivors to help them navigate complex systems, services and legislation at a time when they are most isolated and vulnerable. We help them to overcome barriers and empower them to make informed decisions about their recovery.

Recommendations for candidates

Hope for Justice has drawn up a number of recommendations for candidates.

We recommend that candidates commit to address modern slavery as a priority for their region; ensure that tackling this issue is part of a strategic plan and that resources are allocated to implement it; and draw from guidance developed by the Local Government Association.

It’s also vital for candidates to advocate for improved resourcing for cross-sector working. This will help multi-agency partnerships between local authorities, health service, law enforcement, civil society and other stakeholders to be effective and sustainable.

Other recommendations include: placing safeguarding and independent advocacy at the heart of the response to modern slavery; and listening to the lived experience of survivors and communities who are at risk of exploitation, in order to develop an informed response.

Use your vote wisely

Councillors make important decisions for the local community, including how the council budget is spent and which services are given priority.

Once elected, councillors will remain in office for four years. They will represent your views for the area you live in.

So, before you go to the poll, be sure to read up on your local candidates and what they stand for. Watch their campaigns, talk to them, and ask them whether they will take a stand against modern slavery.

For more details about the recommendations for candidates or information about Hope for Justice’s work, please contact euan.fraser@hopeforjustice.org.

Sanaa’s story: ‘Cruel and heartless exploitation’

Posted on by Rosalyn Roden

Sanaa* was trafficked to the UK on the promise of a college course which would enable her to enter her dream career in nursing. She was sent tickets to travel to the UK but when she arrived, she faced unimaginable cruelty at the hands of people she thought she could trust. 

Traffickers took Sanaa to a property in the North of England where she was forced to have sex with men. These ‘clients’ paid money directly to her perpetrators. 

This sexual exploitation continued for several months. 

Sanaa was referred to Hope for Justice in 2020, by an organisation that unites and empowers survivors of modern slavery.  

At the time, Sanaa’s living situation in the UK was unstable. 

She made an asylum claim based on having “a well-founded fear of persecution” in her home country, in the Caribbean. But this claim was rejected by the Home Office. They made their decision on the grounds that the survivor “had no real risk of suffering serious harm in her home country”, and said “removal from the UK did not breach her right to respect for private and family life.” 

Hope for Justice advocates for survivor

Sanaa was assigned an Independent Modern Slavery Advocate (IMSA) at Hope for Justice. Our team referred Sanaa to an immigration solicitor who could appeal the asylum decision. 

An IMSA accompanied Sanaa to the appointments relating to her asylum claim. We also provided support around mental health problems that she developed in relation to her immigration status. 

Her immigration solicitor challenged the negative decision in early 2021. One year and 10 months later, the survivor received a decision that her appeal had been allowed.  

Sanaa won her appeal before the First-tier Tribunal (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) on the grounds of human rights. She has been granted Discretionary Leave to Remain and permission to stay in the UK until 2025. 

Sanaa’s situation has finally stabilised. 

Our IMSA said: “This survivor is incredibly independent and is doing her utmost to make the best of her situation, despite facing setbacks such as being refused asylum here in the UK. This is something she should have had immediate access to given the cruel and heartless exploitation that she faced.” 

Finding a place to live

Sanaa has moved into a new flat, after our IMSA referred her to a charity who provide advice and support to asylum seekers. We provided evidence to show that Sanaa was homeless; on being granted Discretionary Leave to Remain, she had to move out of asylum accommodation, and was living in a hotel. We also advocated on her behalf with the local authority, providing evidence around her exploitation and mental health.

Hope for the future

Sanaa has completed several short college courses. She is working part-time at a charity shop, and due to her trafficking, now hopes to one day become a support worker for survivors of modern slavery. 

Being in employment has helped in Sanaa’s recovery journey. “Getting a job and being able to work has helped build my confidence,” she said. “I have been very happy with Hope for Justice’s support. Without it, things could have turned out differently for me. I didn’t know who to turn to for help (with my immigration case when I got a negative decision). My IMSA attended all the appointments with the new solicitors and was there to support me. I know that Hope for Justice helps a lot of people. Keep doing what you’re doing.” 

Her message to other survivors was this: “Don’t give up, keep looking until you find the right support. When you find help, make sure they are legitimate, they have the relevant knowledge and expertise. Have faith, even if you get a negative decision from the Home Office.” 

*Name changed to protect identity of survivor 

Trafficking survivor granted refugee status after four years

Posted on by Rosalyn Roden

A young survivor of modern slavery who was trafficked to the UK as a teenager has finally received his refugee status. It follows a cruel four-and-a-half year wait. Jin* was ‘left in limbo’, unable to work or move forward with his life, and not able to safely return to his birth country.  

Jin was trafficked to the UK when he was just 15 years old. He was lured from his home in East Asia. Traffickers forced him to travel illegally through several countries and via various modes of transport. He was then exploited for criminal purposes. 

It was the police who identified Jin as a potential victim of modern slavery. They referred him to children’s services and he entered the National Referral Mechanism – the UK Government’s formal process for identifying and supporting victims of modern slavery. 

He was then referred to the Child Trafficking Guardianship service where he received one-to-one support and advocacy. It was at this point that Jin first made an asylum claim. 

Lunar House, Croydon, is one of the Home Office’s immigration reporting centres. Google Maps image

Jin first encountered Hope for Justice when he turned 18. The anti-slavery charity had created a new role in 2022 – that of Child Trafficking Transition Specialist – to meet the particular needs of young adults at a time when statutory support can otherwise fall away.

‘His life was put on hold’

Our team advocated for Jin to be moved into a safe house but this was initially denied, so Hope for Justice supported a public law challenge. This succeeded, and secured for Jin a safe and stable place to live in a safe house. 

It wasn’t until Jin turned 21 that he received his asylum decision – almost five years after his initial claim. 

One of our Independent Modern Slavery Advocates (IMSAs), who has worked closely with the survivor, said: “The unnecessary long wait for a decision occurred over the formative years of this young adult’s life – a time when he should have been exploring career options and increasing in independence. Instead, the survivor was left in a state of limbo. Not only was he exploited at the hands of criminals, but he was then made to wait years for a decision on whether he could remain in the country.  

“The survivor is very intelligent and was determined to move forward with his life, but he was prevented from doing so because he did not have the right to work or access to independent housing. He was left in an insecure, unstable situation. His life was put on hold.”

Long waits for asylum decisions

A Freedom of Information (FOI) request made by the Refugee Council found that the number of people waiting for more than one year for an initial decision on their asylum claim increased almost tenfold from 3,566 people in 2010 to 33,016 in 2020. 

And, according to Home Office data, the total number of people awaiting an asylum decision more than doubled between 2020 and 2022, from 70,000 to 166,300. 

In June 2023, The Guardian reported on the “devastating effects” that Home Office delays were having on children seeking asylum.  

Jin told us: “I felt very bored and disappointed while I waited for a decision. I had had many plans that I could not do. I think others would feel similar, but everyone would have a different way of thinking or feeling. When I was granted status, I felt happy. I was able to live, work, and my plans could then go ahead.” 

During Jin’s wait for an answer to his claim, Hope for Justice wrote supporting letters for his solicitor, attended immigration appointments with the survivor, provided specialist information relating to his trafficking and requested regular updates from the solicitor to keep the survivor informed. 

Our team also helped Jin to access an English course to develop his language skills. Additionally, Hope for Justice commissioned some counselling for the survivor. Jin also took up a voluntary position with an employer to enhance his skills. 

Stability and safety

When he finally received his refugee status, Jin immediately started in a new job and was able to secure himself independent accommodation. 

Our IMSA said: “This was truly wonderful news for the survivor and a huge step in enabling him to progress. But it is so incredibly unfair and unjust that a decision on his asylum claim was so prolonged. We want to see this situation improved for survivors of modern slavery. Having exited exploitation, they need stability and safety, but they are being condemned to years of uncertainty and further challenge.”  

Now that the survivor has been granted refugee status, he has permission to stay in the UK for at least five years. After this time, he will be able to apply to settle in the UK (indefinite leave to remain). 

*Name changed to protect identity of the survivor

Modern slavery awareness training for professionals

Posted on by Rosalyn Roden

Public sector professionals and members of the voluntary and community sector in the UK are invited to attend Hope for Justice’s upcoming training events.

This training will focus on Modern Slavery, Human Trafficking and Exploitation, with a specific emphasis on Trauma-informed Early Response.

The course is discounted to £5 (usually priced at £30) and will be delivered by Hope for Justice, a leading anti-slavery charity, who share their experience through accredited training. The training is designed for statutory frontline workers and those who work in the community supporting those in vulnerable circumstances.

This course is extremely valuable – please share this event information with any other relevant colleagues or partners. You can register directly by selecting your preferred date via the links below:

Why should I take this course?

  • Learn skills focused on early trauma-informed response
  • Receive 2 hours of online learning modules for free
  • Course discounted to £5 (down from £30)

Who is this training for?

The sessions are for first responders, professionals and those supporting first responders who may come into contact with potential victims of modern slavery and human trafficking. If you work in any of the following areas, the course will be suitable for you to attend:

  • First responders
  • Police
  • Safeguarding
  • Council: Trading Standards, Environmental Health, Licensing, Housing, Social Care, Commissioning, Mental Health, Planning Enforcement, Education, Asylum and Refugee Services, Waste Refuse Teams, Library Services, Customer Service
  • Health Service
  • Probation
  • Fire & Rescue
  • Education
  • NGOs focused on vulnerabilities

How long are the training sessions?

  • 60 minutes eLearning and pre-session modules
  • 90 minutes live lunchtime/evening highly interactive session with a three-stage case study
  • 30 minutes post online learning modules

How is the training delivered?

Your learning starts by completing the eLearning and selected modules about the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) and the principles of a trauma-informed response. If you wish to receive CPD accreditation for this course, all the pre-elements are required.

This prepares you to engage effectively in the 90-minute live session where a staged case study of a potential victim explores how you respond. This enhances your trauma-informed response skills in the context of legislative measures, such as the NRM. The learning emphasis is on trauma-informed response.

Further learning is offered where there is 30 minutes of online training resources to complete your learning that matches your training needs. These include FAQs, legislation overview and procedures.

What level of training is this?

The training is accredited by CPD UK Accreditation. Those who have opted to evidence this are required to complete a pre- and post-evaluation and attain a pass mark. The pre-evaluation must be completed before the session starts. Those who are successful may request certification for 3 CPD UK points. This requires consent for your email to participate, given at the point of booking.

What else is provided for the delegate?

In your learning account you have access to all that you need for the training and you can download these resources in preparation for the class. You may wish to print off the resources or have them open on another screen but please be aware that if you use your phone the documents will likely be difficult to view. You should have the following downloadable documents for your class:

  • Responding to Modern Slavery booklet (CPD Certified) – Currently under review due to UK Government legislative changes in 2023
  • Three-stage case study
  • Learning Resource Library
  • Multilingual posters
  • MSHT self-identifying flyers

Who delivers the training?

The virtual classroom training is delivered by a trainer who is a subject matter specialist. The trainer draws from the experience of working with victims of modern slavery within Hope for Justice and their experience supporting victims out of exploitation.

What is the training style?

This training combines online modules either side of a live session. The live training utilises Mentimeter, a collective interactive learning tool to stimulate group discussions using a staged case study.

We would encourage you and your team to book on as soon as possible.

When does the training take place?

The course, Modern Slavery Awareness: Professional Learning Pathway – For professionals, is a tailored learning pathway where the live session (90 minutes) hones trauma-informed response skills. Either side of the live session will be supportive learning through our Hope for Justice Learning Academy (50 spaces per session). You can register by selecting your preferred date via the links below:

Included within the Professional Learning Pathway training is some prerequisite eLearning which will provide Modern Slavery Awareness foundation knowledge.

Testimonials from people who have attended this training – what did they like most?

  • “Love the use of Mentimeter and the word charts, useful for engagement and remembering the training.”
  • “So important to recognise the complex stories, and trauma involved.”
  • “Enjoyed the interaction and seeing other people’s views.”
  • “Great to have such an interactive session.”
  • “Alister was very knowledgeable on the subject, and it was at a great pace. A very thought-provoking, eye-opening course, very relevant for my role.”

Cancellation Policy: Should a delegate withdraw from the training, there is a no refund policy, dependent on the ability to fill the space with a waiting list candidate and the reason for the withdrawal. If a cancellation is received with less than 48 hours notice, or the delegate fails to attend the training, there is no refund.

‘Darkest hour’: Boy, 7, recovering after being severely burned

Posted on by Rosalyn Roden

PLEASE NOTE: This story contains some distressing images.  

A brave seven-year-old boy has made “remarkable progress” in his recovery after being burned by his father. The boy, here named Rajab* to protect his identity, was rescued from this horrifying situation of child abuse by the police, who referred him to Hope for Justice.

Rajab was burned on both hands and legs after being accused of theft. He told us that because he was very hungry, he took some money from his father’s pocket and used it to buy food.

To punish him, his father burned him. Neighbours heard his screams and alerted the police. This cruel form of punishment was a violation of Rajab’s human rights. Sadly, abuse such as this is not uncommon in Uganda.  

According to UNICEF, most children in Uganda have experienced physical violence that threatens and halts their holistic and positive development – 59% of girls and 68% of boys.  

Rajab’s teacher describes the torture that his young pupil experienced as his “darkest hour”. 

When he arrived at our Lighthouse – a safe haven for children who have been or who are at risk of exploitation – he was dirty, impoverished and had bandaged, swollen hands. The severe burns made it impossible for him to carry out daily tasks, such as getting dressed, having a wash and cleaning his personal belongings. 

A member of staff at the Lighthouse said: “Rajab’s life changed significantly when he came to Hope for Justice. He had been rescued from the terrible reality of child abuse, which left him at risk of physical harm. Rajab found solace and support at the Lighthouse, where we daily dressed his wounds, provided trauma-informed cognitive behavioural therapy, love, and a safe haven.” 

Nurses at our Lighthouse and residential social workers have monitored Rajab closely and worked to improve his physical and emotional wellbeing. The survivor’s wounds, bruises to his body and pain have all been treated and he is now recovering well.  

A member of our team said: “During his time at the Lighthouse, Rajab has made remarkable progress in his recovery. Through the dedicated efforts of the Lighthouse team, and the child’s own resilience, he has regained the ability to perform daily activities.”

Rajab can now participate in various Lighthouse activities. He is able to attend catch-up classes, engage in life skills sessions, and carry out domestic chores like cleaning. He can draw again, and he also enjoys playing football and bingo, among other activities, with his peers.  The progress of this young boy is testament to the impact of comprehensive care and support as well as his determination and strength. 

His teacher added: “This young child’s story is an inspiring example of resilience and hope, highlighting the transformative power of dedicated intervention and nurturing support. The collaborative efforts of the community, police and Hope for Justice have played a pivotal role in the boy’s remarkable recovery, demonstrating the potential for positive outcomes in the lives of survivors who have endured trauma and abuse.” 

*Name changed to protect identity of survivor

Viktor’s story: Escaping his traffickers after four years in forced labour

Posted on by Rosalyn Roden

Slavery still exists. It hasn’t gone away; it has just evolved. New global estimates show that forced labour – a form of modern slavery – is generating £185bn in profits. This illegal money is going to traffickers, people who are exploiting and controlling other human beings for their own gain. 

Below we tell the story of a survivor of human trafficking who is only able to tell his story now because he took the brave decision to escape out of a window, before Hope for Justice and other organisations managed to get involved to help him. 

Viktor* was one of five people being held against their will at a property in West Yorkshire, UK. He was forced to work multiple jobs, at a car wash and in factories. He worked for long hours, but received only £5-10 for an entire week for his labour. The traffickers pocketed his wages. 

Viktor was emotional as he described how he was treated. He told our team:

“I felt like I was a slave. There was no respect for us, no mercy. They humiliated us. They were cruel and expected us to work and do everything they wanted, while they were laughing at us and having fun.”

Viktor*, a survivor of human trafficking

Taking away a person’s right to freedom

When a person is being controlled by another, their human rights and freedoms are often restricted. Control can be physical, financial or psychological, or any combination of these. 

In UK law, Article 4 of The Human Rights Act 1998 protects a person’s right not to be held in slavery or servitude, or made to do forced or compulsory labour. 

In reality, though, we know that this ‘absolute’ right to be protected against slavery and servitude does not prevent it from happening. 

There are now more than 27 million people around the world trapped in forms of modern slavery like forced labour and forced sexual exploitation, and another 22 million in forced marriages – just under 50 million overall.  

New figures from the International Labour Organization (ILO) show that the annual global profits from forced labour have risen to $236bn (£185bn). 

The UN agency’s new estimates show a 37% rise since 2014 when the last set of figures were released. 

The ILO said this is “a dramatic increase that has been fuelled by both a growth in the number of people forced into labour, as well as higher profits generated from the exploitation of victims”. 

How Hope for Justice got involved in Viktor’s case

This cruel misuse of power was at play in Viktor’s case. He was initially exploited for forced labour and later held in domestic servitude after multiple injuries prevented him from working. Viktor was controlled by traffickers for more than four years, as they took his earnings for themselves. He worked to feed their greed. 

Our team first met Viktor in a hospital bed where he lay with serious injuries suffered at the hands of the traffickers. He had been found on the street, malnourished and bearing physical wounds because of the abuse. Hospital staff identified that he was a potential victim of human trafficking and raised the red flag. Viktor was referred to Hope for Justice by the local NHS Community Healthcare Trust.

Hospital bed, stock image

Hope for Justice provides training to people and organisations who may come into contact with victims and survivors of modern slavery.  

One of our Independent Modern Slavery Advocates (IMSAs), who has worked alongside Viktor, said: “This case shows how vital it is for frontline workers, such as NHS staff, to be trained to spot the signs of modern slavery. The survivor agreed to speak with Hope for Justice and our team arranged to visit him to provide advice and support. Viktor was in a very delicate state medically, awaiting life-changing surgery. He was experiencing a lot of pain and on antibiotics. He was very emotional and traumatised by the exploitation.” 

Viktor’s story

Viktor was trafficked from the Czech Republic to the UK on the promise of a well-paid job and accommodation. His travel would be paid for. He was told not to worry about anything. But when he arrived in the UK, these dreams quickly faded. Viktor was handed over to another trafficker, who took his ID documents away from him. He was then taken to a house where he lived with approximately 10 people. Viktor was put in a room with five others and forced to sleep on the floor, without even a mattress, just a yoga mat and blanket. 

Viktor worked long hours. His movements were controlled and monitored by the traffickers. If he refused to work and do what he was told, he was threatened and beaten, which left him with several bruises and scars. 

Our IMSA said: “Viktor felt like he was in an impossible situation where he had no chance to leave. As a result of the exploitation and due to a lack of appropriate protective equipment at work, Viktor sustained serious injuries that prevented him from working. Following this, the traffickers forced him to do all their housework, such as cleaning and cooking. He did this every day for no pay. Until one night he found courage and escaped through a window.” 

Multi-agency approach

Hope for Justice worked alongside Viktor, hospital staff and other professionals to address his immediate needs and provide essentials such as clothing, food and a SIM card so he was contactable. 

The survivor agreed to enter the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) – the UK Government’s process for formally identifying and supporting potential victims of modern slavery – and to report his experiences to the police. 

As a ‘first responder’, West Yorkshire Police made the NRM referral for the survivor, which would give him access to support such as counselling, legal advice and housing. 

Police, stock image

Hope for Justice supported the NRM referral, gathered information and evidence, and worked across agencies to ensure the survivor’s short- and long-term security and safety. 

Viktor received a positive ‘reasonable grounds’ decision via the NRM, which means there were reasonable grounds to believe he was a victim of modern slavery. Hope for Justice then advocated for the survivor to be contacted by The Salvation Army so that support could be initiated. 

After several weeks, Viktor was finally given access to outreach support, a support worker and in receipt of subsistence pay. He has since received a back-pay in subsistence from The Salvation Army for the delay he experienced. 

Our team has also gathered additional information to support the survivor’s case for a ‘conclusive grounds’ NRM decision. 

Empowering survivors

A member of our team who has been working alongside Viktor said: “This was a very complex case where police initially failed to identify the survivor as a victim of human trafficking and where the local authority refused to provide any support due to the survivor’s immigration status and him having ‘no recourse to public funds’, as it is called.  

“The survivor was disregarded. He had slipped through the system and was left without support. However, our team believed Viktor’s story, we advocated for his rights and entitlements as a survivor of trafficking, and we supported him throughout the whole process until he finally received support. 

“Viktor has been through the most horrific trafficking experiences, which left him facing life-changing physical and psychological trauma and complex needs. But his story shows that when an organisation like Hope for Justice intervenes, empowers survivors to have a voice and helps them to access the right support, victims can have their freedom again, have the chance to begin a journey of recovery and ultimately have their lives restored. They are given hope for the future – something every person deserves. 

“This survivor’s story is powerful and unique. I chose his pseudonym name Viktor (which means ‘conqueror’ or ‘winner’, ‘victory over death’), because I believe it reflects his journey. I hope that by sharing his story we will encourage people to act and to support the incredible mission of ending slavery.” 

The survivor told our team: “Thank you very much for all your help, I appreciate it so much. I am better now, and I look forward to the future and the worst being behind.” 

*Name changed to protect identity of the survivor 

Traffickers taking $236 billion in illegal profits at victims’ expense

Posted on by Rosalyn Roden

The annual global profits from forced labour and forced sexual exploitation have risen to an estimated $236 billion (£185 billion), according to a new International Labour Organization (ILO) report. 

The ‘alarming’ new estimates show a 37% rise since 2014, when the last set of figures were released. The ILO’s research reinforces Hope for Justice’s own estimate, published last summer. Our team calculated that modern slavery and human trafficking were making over $245 billion for criminals every year, very similar to the new ILO research. 

The UN agency’s report says:

“What the study reveals is alarming. Total illegal profits from forced labour are not only extremely high but appear to have risen dramatically over the last decade, […] fuelled by both a growth in the number of people forced into labour, as well as higher profits generated from the exploitation of victims.”

International Labour Organization

A total of 27.6 million people were trapped in forced labour and forced sexual exploitation on any given day in 2021, according to the report. The profits generated by sexual exploitation accounted for more than two-thirds (73%) of the total illegal profits covered by the report, which said: “The high profits per victim of forced commercial sexual exploitation are a reflection of the extremely limited share of earnings trickling down to the victims, the vast majority of whom are women and girls.” 

Hope for Justice knows from its own work with survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking that victims are often paid very little, or indeed nothing at all. In some instances, their wages are taken from them, and they are held in debt bondage to their trafficker. 

Traffickers and criminals are making an average of $10,000 per victim, the ILO said, though the figures are much higher for those in forced commercial sexual exploitation (an average of $27,250 per victim, globally). With 1.3 million children in commercial sexual exploitation, and another 1.68 million in forms of forced labour, the total profits made by the criminals from child victims can be estimated at $41.9 billion: $35.6 billion from sex trafficking, and $6.2 billion from forced labour.

Among all people, adults and children, the sheer numbers of people affected mean that forced labour in industry is making perpetrators the most money annually ($35 billion), followed by forced labour within the service sector ($20.8 billion), agriculture ($5 billion) and domestic work ($2.6 billion). 

Geographically, the highest profits from forced labour were Europe and Central Asia ($84 billion), followed by Asia and the Pacific ($62 billion), the Americas ($52 billion), Africa ($20 billion) and then the Arab States ($18 billion). 

Gilbert Houngbo, the director-general of the ILO, said: “People in forced labour are subject to multiple forms of coercion, the deliberate and systematic withholding of wages being amongst the most common. Forced labour perpetuates cycles of poverty and exploitation and strikes at the heart of human dignity. We now know that the situation has only got worse. The international community must urgently come together to take action to end this injustice, safeguard workers’ rights, and uphold the principles of fairness and equality for all.” 

young girl