News | 07 September 2021
Dame Sara responds to the Nationality and Borders Bill
Read the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner's Annual Report 2020-2021 here.
Read the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner's Strategic Plan 2019-2021 here.
The Pathways Through Liberation project run by the University of Nottingham has launched an anonymous online survey and is seeking responses from survivors of human trafficking and modern slavery. The project aims to understand the support needs of survivors who are outside of the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) in order to inform policy and support frameworks in the future.
If you identify as having been trafficked or subjected to modern slavery, have never entered the NRM, or are no longer in the NRM, please consider completing the anonymous survey here: https://nottingham.onlinesurveys.ac.uk/pathways-language-survey-choice
The UK Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner co-signed an open letter calling on G7 Heads of State and Government to elevate and act on this issue of forced labour in global supply chains.
A copy of the letter can be read here.
Following the Summit, the Commissioner welcomes the commitment from G7 leaders to continue to work collaboratively on the issue of forced labour, as set out in the Free and Fair Trade section of the Carbis Bay G7 Summit Communique.
The Home Office has created a community bulletin for stakeholder updates on the EU Settlement Scheme. You can sign up to this here. Further resources include a toolkit for community groups to support EU citizens to apply to stay in the UK and communications material.
Details of organisations funded to provide support to vulnerable and at risk EU citizens applying to the EU Settlement Scheme cane be found here. The postcode checker can be used to find support locally. A factsheet with guidance on supporting EEA nationals with care needs can be found here.
More broadly, information on how to find a registered immigration advisor can be found here. This includes the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) Adviser Finder.
A new report by Bakhita Centre for Research on Slavery, Exploitation and Abuse examines the role that practice-based research can play in policy development and survivor support. This report is intended to help inform policy and practice using materials not published in academic journals. It is intended to identify strengths that can be shared and built upon.
A study commissioned by the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner led by Themis and TRIBE Freedom Foundation explores ways the financial sector can identify and prevent modern slavery and human trafficking. The work examines the risks and links faced by different types of organisations and sectors within the financial services industry. A forthcoming report will highlight practical steps that financial services firms can take.
To find out more, please visit the Themis website.
The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner remains concerned about the impact of Coronavirus on the provision of support to victims and survivors of modern slavery. The Commissioner continues to work closely with NGOs, statutory bodies and government to encourage dialogue and share information. A list of resources for the sector. Please contact the office should you have concerns or further resources.
Modern slavery is an umbrella term encompassing slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour and human trafficking. Victims of modern slavery are unable to leave their situation of exploitation, controlled by threats, punishment, violence, coercion and deception. Slavery violates human rights, denying people of their right to life, freedom and security.
If you think someone is in immediate danger, please call the police on 999. In order to protect the potential victim, do not attempt to inform them of your actions.
If you think someone is a potential victim but there is no immediate threat to life, please call the local police on 101.
You can also call the Modern Slavery Helpline on 0800 0121 700 24 hours a day.
If you have information you wish to give anonymously and confidentially you can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
See the ‘Resources’ page for more detailed guidance on how to refer a victim of modern slavery for support.
