Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner

News | 18 October 2019

Publication of the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner’s Strategic Plan 2019 – 2021

The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Dame Sara Thornton, has today published her Strategic Plan for 2019 – 2021. The Strategic Plan has been laid before Parliament by the Secretary of State (Home Secretary) in accordance with the Modern Slavery Act (2015).

News | 18 October 2019

“Child modern slavery referrals soar by 800% in the last five years”

Dame Sara Thornton tells Sky News soaring modern slavery referrals have cause the system to "slow down"

News | 18 October 2019

“Steps urged to end trafficking”

Speaking at a Government Forum to Combat Trafficking in Persons in the Middle East in Bahrain earlier this week, Dame Sara Thornton described modern slavery and human trafficking as an “international challenge”, highlighting the need for cooperation between countries to combat this crime.

News | 18 October 2019

"We've got big, transformative plans" - Interview with Dr Richard Benjamin, International Slavery Museum

On the eve of Anti-Slavery Day 2019, Dr Richard Benjamin, Head of the International Slavery Museum in Liverpool came to meet Dame Sara and spoke to the Office of the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner on the museum’s diverse collections on historical and contemporary slavery, their plans for expansion and the importance of collaborative working with anti-slavery partners to enhance understanding and awareness of modern slavery and human trafficking.

News | 14 October 2019

“I was sold as a slave for £3500… in Scotland: Victim of barbaric human traffickers reveals ordeal”

The victims of the terrible trade in human beings are all around us, Dame Sara tells The Sunday Post in an article covering the case of Slovakian human trafficking victims tricked into moving to Scotland before being sold as brides.

News | 11 October 2019

Criminal gang found guilty of human trafficking and slavery offences in Glasgow

Four members of a multi-national criminal gang who forced women into sexual exploitation and sham marriages in Glasgow have today been found guilty of human trafficking and slavery offences.

News | 10 October 2019

IASC Blog: Bringing traffickers to justice

Over the last five months many people have asked me about the commitment of the new government to tackling modern slavery and human trafficking. In particular other countries which have looked to the UK for international leadership have questioned whether...

News | 23 September 2019

County lines slavery gang jailed for 40 years

Dame Sara Thornton comments on the first time the Modern Slavery Act has been used in a county lines case in Norfolk.

News | 18 September 2019

"Slavery victims ‘left in limbo for four years’ on asylum claims, says watchdog"

Slavery victims are suffering ‘extra years of unnecessary mental torment’ waiting for NRM and asylum decisions, Dame Sara Thornton tells the Evening Standard

News | 16 September 2019

"Slavery issue needs ‘Blue Planet moment’"

Dame Sara tells Supply Management magazine that consumer awareness is crucial in driving the issue of modern slavery in businesses.

News | 09 August 2019

35 potential victims of human trafficking safeguarded in UK following cross-Europe operation

The National Crime Agency has today released details of a week-long operation targeting modern slavery across the UK and Europe.

News | 08 August 2019

"INTERVIEW-Too many modern slaves left in limbo, warns new UK anti-slavery chief"

Dame Sara Thornton speaks to Thomson Reuters Foundation on the need for sound and timely decision making.

News | 31 July 2019

IASC Blog: Raising awareness of human trafficking

Yesterday was the United Nations World Day against Trafficking in Persons which aims to raise the awareness of the situation of victims of human trafficking and the promotion and protection of their rights. Having completed three months as Commissioner it...

News | 23 July 2019

"Criminals can’t claim they were trafficked, says anti-slavery tsar"

Dame Sara Thornton speaks to The Times on statutory defence: “I intend to ensure the system protects the most vulnerable, while we also root out those that seek to take advantage of protections designed solely for victims”

News | 17 July 2019

Governments must do more to achieve SDG 8.7 - Walk Free

The ‘Measurement, Action, Freedom’ report, launched today by Minderoo Foundation’s Walk Free initiative, finds more needs to be done to spur action and hold governments to account through an agreed set of measurement indicators on all forms of modern slavery.

News | 09 July 2019

Dame Sara Thornton Statement: Government response to the Independent Review

The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Dame Sara Thornton, has commented on the Government response to the Independent Review of the Modern Slavery Act.

News | 05 July 2019

Dame Sara Thornton comments on the exposure of UK's largest modern slavery network

Dame Sara Thornton on Operation Fort: "This case sends a strong message to all traffickers that we will not tolerate their brutal criminality. I hope it also gives confidence to victims that they will be supported and that justice will be done.”

News | 28 June 2019

IASC statement on the conviction of three gangmasters for modern slavery offences

The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Sara Thornton, has commented on the case of three men sentenced to 28 years’ imprisonment for modern slavery and Proceeds of Crime Act offences.

News | 28 June 2019

IASC Blog: Listening to survivors, the role of business and supporting law enforcement

Last Friday three brothers were sentenced at Blackfriars Crown Court for a total of 28 years for keeping more than 20 slaves in a single, filthy room infested with cockroaches and rats. They had been forced to work on building sites in London for £2 a day. Judge Shetty expressed the horror of all of us: “This case involved the degradation of fellow human beings. It involved the denial of their humanity and failure to recognise that these are human beings who feel pain and misery just like all of us. That disgusts me.”

News | 11 June 2019

Dame Sara Thornton responds to Prime Minister Theresa May's International Labour Organization address

The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Dame Sara Thornton, responds to comments made today by Prime Minister Theresa May to the United Nations International Labour Organization in Geneva.

News | 07 June 2019

Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner recognised in Queen’s 2019 Birthday Honours

Sara Thornton, the UK’s Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, has been recognised in the Queen’s birthday honours list.

News | 31 May 2019

IASC Blog: Sara Thornton reflects on her first month as Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner

I am coming to the end of my first month as the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner for the United Kingdom. I have met many people who are involved in tackling slavery and trafficking and supporting victims and I have been listening and learning. I have been struck by the commitment, energy and enthusiasm of those that I have met and their willingness to share their experiences and perspectives. I am keenly aware of how much needs to be done and the scale of the challenges. Over the next few months I will be developing my strategic priorities for the first year so that we can focus effort to make impact. The role had been vacant for nearly twelve months and the small team carries vacancies, so I have also spent time mobilising the office and recruiting staff. We have made some temporary appointments and have advertised for permanent staff which met with a fantastic response.

News | 22 May 2019

Sara Thornton statement on the Independent Review of the Modern Slavery Act final report

Statement from the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner (IASC), Sara Thornton, on the Independent Review of the Modern Slavery Act final report

News | 01 May 2019

Sara Thornton begins term as Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner

Sara Thornton has begun her three-year term as Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, starting 1 May 2019. (Photograph ©Martin Godwin)

News | 22 February 2019

New Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner announced

Sara Thornton, a police officer with more than 30 years’ experience, will take up the role of the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner to help spearhead the UK’s response to the devastating crime.

News | 23 October 2018

Home Office National Referral Mechanism (NRM) reform newsletter

The Modern Slavery Unit in the Home Office has launched a newsletter to keep stakeholders informed of its progress in delivering reform of the National Referral Mechanism (NRM), and to share key news from its partners in their work to tackle modern slavery.

News | 22 October 2018

Modern slavery, environmental destruction and climate change: Fisheries, field, forests & factories

A new report released jointly today by the Office of the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner and the University of Nottingham’s Rights Lab takes a close look at modern slavery, environmental destruction and climate change as interconnected crises. The study reveals the ways in which these three areas are intrinsically linked, strongly supporting the argument that it is vital to for them to be routinely considered as connected issues and tackled with holistic strategies.

News | 18 October 2018

New study looks at the true nature of modern slavery in hand car washes

A new collaborative study between experts at the Rights Lab at the University of Nottingham and the Office of the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, issued on 18 Oct 2018, looks at the true extent and nature of modern slavery and human trafficking in hand car washes in the UK.

News | 15 October 2018

Launch of updated Slavery and Trafficking Survivor Care Standards

The Human Trafficking Foundation has today published the updated Slavery and Trafficking Survivor Care Standards, a vital resource for frontline practitioners who work with survivors. These Standards have been endorsed by Kevin Hyland OBE, the inaugural Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner.

News | 11 October 2018

New online toolkit to support anti-slavery partnerships

The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner’s (IASC) office, in collaboration with the Rights Lab at the University of Nottingham, has today launched an online toolkit to help local organisations and agencies work better together to tackle modern slavery.

News | 02 October 2018

Anti-Trafficking film supported by leading modern slavery activists

A new film billed as a ‘call to action’ to raise awareness of child sex trafficking and empower survivors will premiere this month in Nottingham, UK with a screening and panel discussion with modern slavery activists, including the film’s director and one of the protagonists.

News | 15 August 2018

New report finds low compliance with Modern Slavery Act in UK agricultural sector

New analysis by the University of Nottingham's Rights Lab in partnership with the office of the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner finds poor performance in the UK agricultural sector against the 'transparency in supply chains' provision of the Modern Slavery Act.

News | 03 July 2018

Joint statement calls on government for central modern slavery registry

Along with 35 businesses, organisations and individuals, I am today publishing a joint statement calling on the government to establish a central registry for corporate modern slavery statements.

News | 18 June 2018

Government must use the power of public procurement to tackle slavery

Public procurement is a powerful tool in the fight against modern slavery but the UK government is not yet using it strongly enough.

News | 11 June 2018

Eradicating recruitment fees is crucial for tackling modern slavery

The eradication of recruitment fees is crucial to reducing modern slavery and protecting vulnerable migrant workers. Today, I support the businesses and other organisations gathering in Singapore this week for the 2018 Global Forum on Responsible Recruitment and Employment.

News | 30 May 2018

Joint investor action on corporate modern slavery statements

The Commissioner has written a joint letter with investors totalling assets under management of £817 billion to FTSE 100 companies which failed to comply with the Modern Slavery Act.

News | 17 May 2018

Ending my tenure as Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner

Today I have announced my resignation as the UK's first Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner.

News | 17 April 2018

UK anti-slavery activities – complete our survey

A short online survey has been launched to better understand the work being done by UK anti-slavery and anti-trafficking civil society organisations. The survey is part of a new report by the Rights Lab at the University of Nottingham. The report will...

News | 11 April 2018

Using research to end modern slavery

Slavery is a serious crime affecting millions worldwide and thousands here in the UK – for it to be stopped, experts need to know what research is available to inform the anti-slavery fight. For the first time, this is possible. A new report published...

News | 09 April 2018

Help us build a partnership toolkit

In partnership with the Rights Lab at the University of Nottingham, in 2017 the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner launched research looking into modern slavery partnerships across the UK. Together with the Rights Lab, the Commissioner is now...

News | 06 April 2018

UK Government Suppliers’ Slave-Labor Disclosures Found Lacking

Following publication of the Sancroft-Tussell report titled "Eliminating Modern Slavery in Public Procurement" the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner speaks with the Wall Street Journal on concerns regarding compliance with the Modern Slavery Act. You...

News | 05 April 2018

Taking action on slavery in the private sector

With 16 million of the estimated 40 million people currently in slavery conditions working within the private sector, it is vital that business plays its part in tackling modern slavery and human trafficking. As such, the private sector is one of my five...

News | 29 March 2018

New project will explore exploitation in hand car washes

A new collaborative study between the Rights Lab at the University of Nottingham and the UK’s Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner (IASC) will look at labour exploitation in hand car washes.

News | 26 March 2018

Top nationality of slavery victims in UK: British

Today marks 3 years since the UK Modern Slavery Act received Royal Assent, and for the first time since records began, the top nationality of victims of modern slavery in the UK is British. Overtaking Albanian and Vietnamese nationals, British adults and...

News | 30 January 2018

Modern slavery media campaign - Final report

Today The Evening Standard and The Independent newspapers, in partnership with the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, publish a report detailing the findings of their special investigation into modern slavery. The report was launched in...

News | 26 January 2018

Calling on FTSE 100 companies to combat modern slavery

Modern slavery and human trafficking will not be solved without a concerted effort by the private sector. Of the estimated 40 million people enslaved today, 16 million are thought to be working for companies around the world, which is why I have written...

News | 12 January 2018

New guidance for councils on addressing modern slavery

The Commissioner has launched a new guide in collaboration with the Local Government Association providing an overview of the steps councils can take to understand and tackle modern slavery in their area.

News | 03 January 2018

A look back on 2017 – A year of challenge and change

No part of the UK is immune from the brutal abuse of modern slavery. From cities to suburbs, men, women and children are exploited in residential homes converted into brothels, factories with hazardous working conditions, farms securely surveilled and...

News | 20 December 2017

Britain needs "change in culture" to stamp out modern slavery

The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner spoke with the Thomson Reuters Foundation on tackling modern day slavery. The Commissioner called for a complete shift in culture in order to address the crime with the severity required. You can read the full...

News | 14 December 2017

Taking UK's lead, Commonwealth lawmakers set sights on modern slavery

As Commonwealth Parliamentarians gather to discuss modern slavery legislation, the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner speaks with the Thomson Reuters Foundation about the need to address slavery at source and deliver a coordinated response to the...

News | 02 December 2017

Tackling human trafficking and exploitation together

Saturday 2nd December marks the International Day for the Abolition of Slavery. The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner published a comment for the British Asian Trust blog. Read the full blog here.

News | 27 November 2017

Thousands of children groomed as drug mules in ‘county lines’ trade

The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner speaks to The Times about the growing issue of child exploitation across "county lines", as children are used as drug mules across the UK. The Times reports on dangerous drugs being supplied across the UK, the...

News | 24 November 2017

We're winning the battles but we need your help to win the war: anti-slavery commissioner

The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner has applauded the Evening Standard's special investigation into modern slavery, which has included coverage of convictions, pledges from leading businesses and stories of survivors. The Commissioner speaks to the...

News | 18 November 2017

Slavery Ensnares Thousands in U.K. Here’s One Teenage Girl’s Story

The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner speaks to the New York Times on the issue of child exploitation across county lines, involving children who are trafficked to supply and sell drugs. The New York Times tells the story of a 14 year old girl who...

News | 09 November 2017

New research: Collaborating for Freedom - Anti-slavery partnerships in the UK

In partnership with the University of Nottingham, the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner has launched research looking into modern slavery partnerships. Partnerships have formed in regions across the UK bringing together different local authority...

News | 08 November 2017

Letter to Sarah Newton MP on reform of modern slavery victim support

On 11th September 2017 the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Kevin Hyland OBE, wrote to the Minister for Crime, Safeguarding and Vulnerability, Sarah Newton MP, regarding the UK's National Referral Mechanism. Through a consultation with stakeholders...

News | 08 November 2017

FEATURE - Modern slavery seeps through murky world of Britain's car washes

The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Kevin Hyland OBE, spoke to the Thomson Reuters Foundation as part of their feature piece on modern slavery in car washes. The Commissioner has consistently called on the public to do more to support the fight...

News | 26 October 2017

Modern slavery victims to receive longer period of support

The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner has long been calling for improvements to support for modern slavery victims. The Commissioner has made a number of recommendations to the Government who today announced that victims will receive support for a...

News | 24 October 2017

County Lines: The children forced to sell drugs

As part of the BBC's File on Four, the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner spoke to the BBC about the issue of county lines, involving exploitation of young people across the UK to supply and sell drugs. You can read the full article here.

News | 24 October 2017

Police failings allow human trafficking and slavery to continue, says watchdog

Police Professional reports on HM Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) report on the response of police in addressing modern slavery. HMICFRS said police have a crucial role but failings have left victims unprotected and let...

News | 19 October 2017

Modern slavery ‘happening in every town and city today’

Following the launch of his 2017 Annual Report, the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner partnered with Devolved Administrations and launched his Report with stakeholders in Scotland and Northern Ireland. The Commissioner spoke to The Newsletter before...

News | 17 October 2017

How Standard focus is already helping to beat slavemasters at large in London

Following the launch of the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner's 2017 Annual Report, the Commissioner spoke to the Evening Standard on the impact of the media and the success of their special investigation into modern slavery. The Commissioner also...

News | 17 October 2017

Slavery in the UK is ‘far greater than Home Office estimate’

At the launch of his 2017 Annual Report, the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner called on government, police, businesses and charities to do more in tacking the crime of modern slavery in the UK. The Times reported the Commissioner's comments on the...

News | 17 October 2017

Modern Slavery Taskforce agrees new measures to support victims

The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner has long been calling for improvements to support for modern slavery victims. The Commissioner has made a number of recommendations to the Government, and on the eve of Anti-Slavery Day 2017 the Home Secretary...

News | 16 October 2017

Exclusive - Annual Report 2016-2017

Today the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner launched his Annual Report, detailing activities in the anti-slavery fight since October 2016. The Report covers work under his 5 priority areas - Victim identification and care Law enforcement and...

News | 16 October 2017

Forces praised as record number of slavery referrals being treated as crimes

The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner's 2017 Annual Report reveals that police forces have improved their response to the crime of modern slavery. Police Professional reports on the Commissioner's bi-annual data request, revealing that crime records...

News | 11 October 2017

Exploitation rife in London's car washes, investigation finds

The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner provided the Independent with indicators of modern slavery. An investigation was carried out and found that exploitation is rife in car washes across London. You can read the full article here.

News | 27 September 2017

“While our cars will emerge clean, our consciences may not”

Once upon a time, a trip to the local car wash involved buying a token, driving into a fixed machine and sitting patiently while two large, colourful brushes whizzed back and forth until the vehicle was clean. Nowadays, it is more likely to comprise a...

News | 14 September 2017

Commissioner joins expert panel for special investigation into modern slavery

As part of the Evening Standard and the Independent's special investigation into modern slavery, the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner has joined an expert group to drive the campaign. The panel will consider deliverables and themes as the...

News | 13 September 2017

They head for London in the hope of escaping poverty - but the slave masters are waiting

As part of the Evening Standard's special investigation into modern slavery, the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner spoke with reporters on the international crime of slavery, with many victims coming from Nigeria and Vietnam - two of the top source...

News | 12 September 2017

Research into enslavement of Vietnamese nationals in the UK

A young trafficking victim called Hung became the moving focus of a speech given by the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner at the House of Lords yesterday (Monday 11 September). Kevin Hyland OBE told an audience, which included retired judge Baroness...

News | 11 September 2017

EXCLUSIVE: Report on combating modern slavery experienced by Vietnamese nationals

Vietnam has consistently featured in official statistics on modern slavery as one of the top three source countries for victims of the crime. Driven by this, the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner visited Vietnam in 2015 and subsequently commissioned...

News | 11 September 2017

Slavery report sounds alarm over Vietnamese nail bar workers

Following the launch of the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner's most recent research, 'Combating modern slavery experienced by Vietnamese nationals en route to, and within, the UK', Amelia Gentleman reports on the report findings and the...

News | 11 September 2017

Rescued Vietnamese child slaves hunted by trafficking gangs

On Monday 11th September the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner published a research report titled, 'Combating modern slavery experienced by Vietnamese nationals en route to, and within, the UK'. Sean O'Neill of The Times reports on the findings, with...

News | 11 September 2017

SOS: Slaves On Our Streets - Commissioner partners on special investigation

The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner has partnered with the London Evening Standard and The Independent for a special investigation into the brutal crime of modern slavery. The investigation will include accounts from brave survivors, comments from...

News | 04 September 2017

New research: Blood Bricks

The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner is partnering with Royal Holloway University of London (RHUL) on a new research project titled 'Blood Bricks'. The research addresses the knowledge gap on the dynamic interaction between climate change and...

News | 28 August 2017

Exclusive: Brexit should have no impact 'whatsoever' on links with Europol

The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner spoke with The Telegraph's Brexit Correspondent on what Brexit means for the fight against modern slavery and cross-border law enforcement partnerships. You can read the full article here.

News | 15 August 2017

Secrets of slavery at your local car wash

The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner spoke to the Daily Mirror about modern slavery in hand car washes across the UK, and how members of the public can join the fight and spot the signs. The Daily Mirror visited 10 hand car washes and found all...

News | 11 August 2017

New research piece: Tackling modern slavery through supply chains

The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner (IASC) is partnering with the University of Nottingham on a research project to tackle modern slavery in business supply chains. The Global Slavery Index reports there to be 45.8 million slaves worldwide....

News | 10 August 2017

Human trafficking and slavery affecting ‘every large town and city in UK’

The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner speaks to May Bulman of the Independent on the scale of modern slavery in the UK and the need for sufficient gathering of intelligence in order to combat the crime. You can read the full article here.

News | 09 August 2017

Failure to tackle child traffickers ‘like letting rapist loose in London’

The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner urges law enforcement agencies to utilise data and intelligence in order to boost the fight against modern slavery. He also calls on technology firms and businesses to play their part in order to protect children...

News | 01 August 2017

UK supermarket helps restore 'dignity of work' to trafficking victims

The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner speaks to Lin Taylor at Thomson Reuters about the importance of long-term support for victims and the admirable work of the Co-op and City Hearts. You can read the full article here.

News | 30 July 2017

Nigerian agents to snare slavers at UK airports

On the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Kevin Hyland OBE, speaks to the Sunday Times about the important work needed to prevent modern slavery. As Nigerian officials are posted in UK airports to curb the...

News | 23 July 2017

More than 100 child refugees missing in UK after being smuggled from Calais

The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner speaks to The Independent on unaccompanied minors who have travelled to the UK illegally and have gone missing, potentially exploited by traffickers and slave masters. You can read the full article here.

News | 06 July 2017

Sharp rise in British children being sexually exploited by human traffickers

With a 100% increase in the number of potential British child victims of modern slavery referred for assistance last year, the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner spoke to The London Economic on the need to improve support and treat modern slavery as...

News | 03 July 2017

Commissioner visits Lithuania to boost anti-slavery efforts across borders

In June 2017, the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner travelled to Vilnius to explore how the UK can better work with Lithuania in the fight against modern slavery. The Commissioner travelled as part of a delegation alongside His Eminence Cardinal...

News | 29 June 2017

Religious leaders call to make Australia 'slavery-proof'

Last month the Commissioner joined faith leaders in Australia to explore Australia's adoption of similar legislation to that of the UK's Modern Slavery Act 2015. Religious leaders collectively called for action. Read the full article: Religious...

News | 22 June 2017

Slavery is a weak link in corporate supply chains

The Financial Times explores how companies are potentially failing to prevent modern slavery in their supply chains. While some businesses have disclosed the problems they have identified, others have more to do to comply with the Modern Slavery...

News | 22 June 2017

Anti-Slavery Commissioner speaks at the Lowy Institute

In May 2017 the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Kevin Hyland OBE, travelled to Australia to meet with ministers, businesses, charities and faith groups to discuss the implementation, success and challenges of the UK’s Modern Slavery Act. Click...

News | 05 June 2017

Australian Federal Parliament moves to eradicate modern slavery

In June 2017 the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner visited Australia to provide evidence to an inquiry into new legislation on modern slavery. Politicians, faith groups, businesses and charities gathered to discuss how a new act will help eradicate...

News | 01 June 2017

Thousands enslaved in Australia – Commissioner advises on new legislation

News | 31 May 2017

Thousands enslaved in Australia and companies linked to supply chains, inquiry told

The Australian parliament is evaluating a modern slavery act, based on the UK’s 2015 legislation. Speaking in Sydney, the UK’s Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner said Britain’s Modern Slavery Act had proven a powerful law enforcement tool that had...

News | 13 May 2017

Gangmasters snare almost 4,000 new UK victims and put them to work as slaves

In an interview with the Mirror, The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner explains that the new figures for modern slavery victims identified reveal how the UK is failing victims and letting more people slip through the net. The Commissioner calls for...

News | 28 April 2017

Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner speaks at the Sedona Forum

Senior officials, CEOs and third sector leaders were among the featured speakers at the fifth annual Sedona Forum, held 21-23 April 2017 by the McCain Institute for International Leadership. Discussions focused on today’s challenges for world...

News | 18 April 2017

A look back: Open Debate on Modern Slavery at the UN Security Council

Background: The UN’s response to modern slavery is becoming increasingly coordinated. The integration of combatting modern slavery into the Sustainable Development Goals – and Goal 8.7 in particular – reflects the commitment of Member States to...

News | 06 April 2017

Letter to MPs on two year anniversary of Modern Slavery Act

On Monday 3rd April 2017 the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Kevin Hyland OBE, wrote to MPs following the two year anniversary of the Modern Slavery Act, which received Royal Assent in March 2015. The Commissioner celebrates where progress has been...

News | 05 April 2017

Letter to CEOs one year on from Section 54 of Modern Slavery Act

A year on since the transparency in supply chains legislation of the Modern Slavery Act came into force, and, with more and more countries looking into passing similar supply chains legislation, the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner has written a...

News | 04 April 2017

Modern slavery referrals double in three years

New figures reveal sharp increase in the number of referrals for support for victims of modern slavery and human trafficking, with 3,805 recorded in 2016. Read the full article here: Modern slavery referrals double in three years.

News | 27 March 2017

The Modern Slavery Act Two Years On – The Fight Continues…

Yesterday marked two years since the Modern Slavery Act 2015 received Royal Assent and last week saw the 210th anniversary of the Slave Trade Act 1807. As the UK’s first Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, appointed by the Prime Minister in her former...

News | 26 March 2017

UK police criticised for failure to help enslaved cannabis farmers

Marking the two year anniversary of the Modern Slavery Act 2015, the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner speaks with Amelia Gentleman about Vietnamese teenagers being trafficked to the UK to work in illegal cannabis farms. Read the full article: UK...

News | 24 March 2017

UK anti-slavery tsar says human trafficking from Nigeria surging without global cooperation

On the two year anniversary of the Modern Slavery Act 2015, the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner comments on human trafficking by Nigerian crime gangs as one of the biggest challenges faced in the last two years, with an eight-fold increase in the...

News | 15 March 2017

Anti-Slavery Commissioner on modern slavery at UN Security Council

UN Security Council Debate on trafficking in persons in conflict situations: forced labour, slavery and other similar practices Remarks of the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Kevin Hyland OBE As the United Kingdom’s first appointed Independent...

News | 08 March 2017

Launch of research into UK modern slavery partnerships

The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, in collaboration with the University of Nottingham, has launched a new research project mapping modern slavery partnerships across the UK. To combat modern slavery in the UK, a number of ‘partnerships’ have...

News | 06 March 2017

Written evidence for the Joint Committee on Human Rights

The Joint Committee on Human Rights launched an inquiry on human rights and business. The inquiry looks at what steps the Government takes to monitor compliance with UN Guiding Principles, and how far the Government can enforce these. It also looks at...

News | 22 February 2017

Statement: Protecting unaccompanied child refugees against modern slavery and other forms of exploitation

The protection of vulnerable children at risk of exploitation in forms of modern slavery is a core priority for the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Kevin Hyland OBE. In a written statement, the Commissioner shares his views on: Safe refuge for...

News | 17 February 2017

Faith groups join together to fight slavery

Last week I joined the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, and the Ecumenical Patriarch, His All-Holiness Bartholomew of Constantinople, for a forum on modern slavery – ‘Sins Before Our Eyes’. Over two days, in the company of scholars, practitioners...

News | 16 February 2017

Help create UK's first mapping of modern slavery research

The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, in collaboration with The University of Nottingham, would like to map the current evidence base on contemporary slavery (including human trafficking), especially as it has an impact on the United Kingdom. The...

News | 12 February 2017

"I would tell any girls back home, don't come to Europe"

Thousands of unaccompanied child migrants are arriving in Europe each year - tricked by false promises of a better life. Instead, many find themselves trafficked into prostitution and slavery. Christina Lamb reports, with comments from the Independent...

News | 02 February 2017

Border Force urged to boost response to slavery

The Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration and the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner recently completed an inspection of UK Border Force’s identification and treatment of potential victims of modern slavery. Findings are detailed in a...

News | 02 February 2017

Statement: Call for adjustment of eligibility criteria under Section 67 of the Immigration Act 2016

In December 2016 I wrote to the Minister of State for Immigration, Robert Goodwill MP, to share my concerns with regards to the guidance on implementation of Section 67 of the Immigration Act 2016. The eligibility criteria for transfers of children from...

News | 31 January 2017

2017: A year of mobilising to achieve freedom for all

It is estimated that there are as many as 13,000 people trapped in modern slavery in the United Kingdom, relentlessly suffering at the hands of ruthless slave masters. Many find this difficult to comprehend. Where is this happening? Is it really taking...

News | 26 January 2017

Research finds links between homelessness and modern slavery

A leading homelessness charity, The Passage, has found that rough sleepers on the streets of the UK are at risk of becoming victims of modern slavery. The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner has previously identified that slave masters prey on...

News | 20 January 2017

Letter to Sarah Newton MP on improved National Referral Mechanism

On 10th January 2017 the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Kevin Hyland OBE, wrote to the Minister for Vulnerability, Safeguarding and Countering Extremism, Sarah Newton MP, regarding the UK's National Referral Mechanism. In the letter...

News | 19 January 2017

Car wash worker kept as modern slave electrocuted as he showered

The death of a car-wash worker was condemned yesterday as a blatant example of modern slavery on Britain’s high streets. Kevin Hyland, the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, said the case was “one of the worst examples of modern slavery to be seen on...

News | 19 January 2017

Letter to Groceries Code Adjudicator on supply chains

On 19th January 2017 the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Kevin Hyland OBE, wrote to the Groceries Code Adjudicator (GCA) in response to a call for evidence for extending the GCA's remit in the UK groceries supply chain. You can read the full...

News | 18 January 2017

Leaders at Davos must strategise to disrupt slavery in supply chains

Millions around the world are trapped in modern slavery in supply chains of big businesses. As world leaders attend the World Economic Forum (WEF), the UK’s Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Kevin Hyland OBE, urges business leaders to take ownership...

News | 12 January 2017

Traffickers bring child sex slaves from Africa to Scotland

Child sex slaves from Africa are among victims being trafficked into Scotland by criminal gangs. Kevin Hyland, the UK’s Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, said: “The number of victims entering the National Referral Mechanism has continued to increase...

News | 22 December 2016

Call for Central Repository Written Submissions

I am calling for written submissions on how a central repository for modern slavery statements, required under Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act, can work to help monitor the impact of the Modern Slavery Act. Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act, with...

News | 18 December 2016

International Migrants Day – The Exploitation within Migration

People around the world are increasingly on the move and in record numbers. The refugee and migrant crisis has brought this to the forefront of political agendas, charity campaigns and public consciousness. But I see this crisis fast becoming a modern...

News | 10 December 2016

Human Rights Day – Standing Up for the Enslaved

Around the world, millions of people are wrongfully robbed of basic human rights. The crime of modern slavery does not only go against the more obvious right to life and liberty, but in fact seeps its way across the entire spectrum of rights.

News | 18 November 2016

Protecting trafficked children requires more than rescue

‘Missing’ and ‘child’ are two words that should not go together. And yet, this is a harsh reality for child victims of modern slavery in the UK, who often go missing within 24 hours of arriving in care.

News | 02 November 2016

The Santa Marta Group - Collaboration at its Core

Last week global leaders in law enforcement and senior Bishops in the Catholic Church came together for the Santa Marta Group, an annual conference focusing on combating modern slavery.

News | 17 October 2016

Mass spotlight on modern slavery

On the evening of Wednesday 12th October, the UK’s first ever Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner hosted an event at Westminster Abbey to mark the UK’s commitment to combat modern slavery.

News | 12 October 2016

A first for Anti-Slavery: Commissioner's Annual Report

The UK’s Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Kevin Hyland OBE, has today launched his first annual report, which was laid before Parliament, Scottish Parliament and the Northern Ireland Assembly this morning.

News | 21 September 2016

Letter to Home Secretary Amber Rudd on modern slavery in Calais

On 19th September 2016 the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Kevin Hyland OBE, wrote to the Home Secretary, Amber Rudd, regarding prevention and identification of modern slavery in Calais.

News | 19 September 2016

Source, transit and destination – The journey of Nigerian slavery

Using a silo approach to counter the crime of modern slavery is foolish. Slavery spans a journey – whether at source, in transit, or at destination, exploitation is extensive.

News | 16 September 2016

Eradicating forced labour – Consumer goods industry takes significant step forward

Modern slavery is an evil that persists despite twelve international conventions and over three hundred international treaties banning it.

News | 07 September 2016

Change industry culture to combat modern slavery

Kevin Hyland OBE, the UK Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, talks about the impact of the Modern Slavery Act (2015)

News | 19 August 2016

World Humanitarian Day: honouring those on frontline of slavery fight

In light of this year’s World Humanitarian Day, it seems fitting to draw attention to what Prime Minister Theresa May refers to as ‘the great human rights issue of our time’: modern slavery.

News | 12 August 2016

Britain must address root causes of sex trafficking from Nigeria to Europe

The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Kevin Hyland OBE, writes in the Guardian on the urgent need for action in Nigeria, due to the crisis levels of Nigerian women and girls trafficked into Europe to be sexually exploited.

News | 03 August 2016

One year as Commissioner and this is only the beginning

There are more slaves today than ever before. And on the first anniversary of my appointment as Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, I am more determined than ever to combat this evil crime.

News | 01 August 2016

Slavery thriving as police accused of failing to act

Slavemasters are acting with impunity because many police officers as well as the public do not take their crimes seriously enough, Britain’s anti-slavery tsar has said.

News | 27 July 2016

Eight priorities in the fight against modern slavery

Earlier this month we welcomed a new Home Secretary, Amber Rudd, as the former Home Secretary, Theresa May, is appointed as the UK’s Prime Minister.

News | 21 July 2016

Cross-border partnership – key in combating slavery

Human traffickers strategically utilise their global networks to maximise profit. If we are to minimise the profitability of modern slavery crime globally and nationally then government and law enforcement must do the same.

News | 11 July 2016

No matter how unwittingly, no business should support slavery

As government suppliers gather to discuss slavery free supply chains, The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Kevin Hyland OBE, writes in The Huffington Post on the pressing need for ongoing work in this area.

News | 04 July 2016

Letter to Frank Field on support for European victims of slavery

On 27th April 2016, Kevin Hyland OBE, the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, wrote to Frank Field MP regarding support and protection of European victims of modern slavery.

News | 29 June 2016

Global supply chain governance cannot have a global one size fits all solution

As part of Open Democracy’s Roundtable on supply chain transparency, Kevin Hyland OBE, the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, responds to questions regarding the model of global supply chains and their global governance.

News | 22 June 2016

Collaboration must sit at heart of tackling slavery in Ireland

Today I joined business leaders, law enforcement and government at a watershed conference in Armagh to discuss how to work across the border of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland to tackle modern slavery and trafficking for labour exploitation.

News | 09 June 2016

Put an end to this throwaway culture

Following the summit of judges and magistrates in the Vatican against human trafficking and organised crime, at which he was a speaker, Kevin Hyland reflects in the Tablet on the role of the judiciary in tackling the horrors of modern.

News | 03 June 2016

45.8 million people enslaved worldwide, says Global Slavery Index

This week the Global Slavery Index 2016, published by the Walk Free Foundation, estimates that there are 45.8 million people enslaved across the world.

News | 02 June 2016

There’s only one group benefitting from the refugee crisis – human traffickers

As global leaders converge in Istanbul for the World Humanitarian Summit, Kevin Hyland, the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner writing in The Independent says it is imperative that a resolution is discussed to tackle the issue of slavery and human trafficking.

News | 24 May 2016

A garden to expose modern day slavery

As the Modern Slavery Garden opens at Chelsea Flower Show, Kevin Hyland OBE, the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner highlights the need for action in the Huffington Post.

News | 19 May 2016

Letter to Shailesh Vara on legal aid

On 19th May 2016, Kevin Hyland OBE, the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner wrote to Shailesh Vara, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Department for Work and Pensions and at the Ministry of Justice.

News | 29 April 2016

Letter to Karen Bradley on child trafficking advocates

On 29th April 2016, Kevin Hyland OBE, the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner wrote to Karen Bradley, Minister for Preventing Abuse, Exploitation and Crime.