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News | 07 September 2021
Dame Sara responds to the Nationality and Borders Bill
The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Dame Sara Thornton, has written to the Home Secretary in response to the Nationality and Borders Bill which was introduced on 6 July 2021.
News | 16 August 2021
Dame Sara says retailers need to be more responsible to protect supply chain workers from abuse
In an interview with the i paper the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner stated her believe that retailers should enact more reforms to protect workers voluntarily but ought to face penalties if their suppliers are abusing workers.
News | 12 August 2021
Dame Sara welcomes new Sentencing Guidelines for Modern Slavery offences
The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner welcomes the Sentencing Council's announcement of new sentencing guidelines for Modern Slavery offences following a consultation in January 2021.
News | 30 July 2021
Dame Sara quoted in i paper coverage of modern slavery carwash case, as two perpetrators are sentenced
The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Dame Sara Thornton, was interviewed by Aasma Day, Northern Reporter at i paper for an article covering the case of two men who have been sentenced for running a modern slavery ring at a carwash in Carlisle.
News | 30 July 2021
Dame Sara interviewed on BBC Radio Cumbria following modern slavery sentencing
Dame Sara Thornton, interviewed for BBC Radio Cumbria, said the sentencing of two men for running a car wash modern slavery ring sent a "strong signal" to others who are exploiting workers in the UK, and called the case a "wake up call" for the consumer.
News | 27 July 2021
Dame Sara's Annual Report findings referenced in The Times article on county lines and child trafficking victims
Red Box article in the Times on 27 July 2021 references findings within the UK Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner's Annual Report 2020-2021.
News | 22 July 2021
Dame Sara delivers keynote at the PACCS-TISCreport Workshop for UK Local Government Leaders
Dame Sara Thornton, joins virtual workshop to discuss and progress findings in the PACCS-TISCreport policy briefing Progress and Challenges in Tackling Modern Slavery in Local Government Supply Chains.
News | 21 July 2021
Dame Sara joins OSCE to host roundtable on the role of independent National Rapporteurs
Dame Sara joins the OSCE for a roundtable on the role of independent National Rapporteurs or equivalent mechanisms in enhancing states' anti-trafficking responses.
News | 15 July 2021
More children than adults flagged as potential slavery victims last year The Guardian reports
County lines drug dealing blamed for figures in annual report from UK’s anti-slavery commissioner The Guardian reports   Dame Sara Thornton's comments on the county lines exploitation of children were quoted in a report from The Guardian, following the...
News | 14 July 2021
Publication of the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner’s Annual Report 2020-2021
The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner has published her Annual Report for 2020-2021. This has been laid in Parliament by the Secretary of State.
News | 05 July 2021
Closed - Call for Evidence - Practitioner Responses to Child Trafficking: Emerging Good Practice
Dame Sara has launched a call for evidence inviting practitioners, academics and policymakers to share promising practice in the field of responding to child exploitation and trafficking (including domestic servitude, forced labour, sexual exploitation and criminal exploitation including county lines).
News | 30 June 2021
Dame Sara gives evidence in Parliamentary review of UK's approach to tackling modern slavery through ICAI
Dame Sara gives evidence at the International Development Sub-Committee on the work of ICAI in review of the UK's approach to tackling modern slavery through the aid programme.
News | 25 June 2021
Closed - IASC and Rights Lab call for evidence on re-trafficking
The deadline to submit evidence on re-trafficking to inform a rapid piece of research has now closed.
News | 16 June 2021
Dame Sara supports new partnership launched to ensure access to support for survivors of modern slavery
Support organisations and leading bodies on anti-trafficking and modern slavery recognise the need for a more standardised, professional and consistent approach to care for survivors. The British Red Cross, Hope for Justice and the Snowdrop Project today announce a new partnership aimed at helping survivors of modern slavery to rebuild and regain control of their lives.
News | 15 June 2021
Dame Sara welcomes the commitment from G7 leaders to work collaboratively on the issue of forced labour
Dame Sara Thornton, UK Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, welcomes the commitment from G7 leaders to continue working together to protect individuals from forced labour and to ensure that global supply chains are free from the use of forced labour, as set out in the Free and Fair Trade section of the Carbis Bay G7 Summit Communique.
News | 08 June 2021
To build back better we must eradicate slavery in G7 supply chains
Dame Sara Thornton, Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner and Alex Thier, CEO of the Global Fund to End Modern Slavery, write in today’s Red Box section of The Times that G7 leaders must take a coordinated approach to tackling the global issue of forced labour in supply chains.
News | 08 June 2021
Dame Sara calls on G7 countries to ban state-controlled forced labour
Dame Sara Thornton, UK Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, has called on G7 countries to ban state-controlled forced labour and use the debate over China to focus G7 efforts to tackle the global issue of modern slavery.
News | 02 June 2021
New research on refining a public health approach to modern slavery
New research published today examines the case for a public health approach to modern slavery and identifies the key components that are considered important in enabling the anti-slavery sector to address modern slavery through a public health lens.
News | 26 May 2021
Commissioners respond - HMICFRS report on modern slavery super-complaint
The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Dame Sara Thornton, and the Victims’ Commissioner, Dame Vera Baird QC, have responded to a report by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services, the College of Policing and the Independent Office for Police Conduct in response to a super-complaint submitted by Hestia about the police response to victims of modern slavery.
News | 24 May 2021
Launch: Operation Fort Revisited
The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Dame Sara Thornton, has today published a new review of the business response to Operation Fort.
News | 19 May 2021
New research on benefits and barriers to work for survivors of slavery
This IASC and Rights Lab report examines the benefits of working, the harms caused by not working, and the current approach to how survivors are assisted to access employment, reintegrate, and work towards stability and independence.
News | 10 May 2021
Dame Sara responds to New Plan for Immigration consultation
Dame Sara Thornton has today published her response to the New Plan for Immigration consultation, outlining her concerns that the proposals may make it harder to identify potential victims of modern slavery and that they also risk creating new vulnerabilities.
News | 10 May 2021
Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner supports launch of the Responsible Car Wash Scheme
Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner supports launch of the Responsible Car Wash Scheme
News | 29 April 2021
Dame Sara and FAST co-organise a roundtable discussion on managing modern slavery risks in capital markets
Dame Sara and the Liechtenstein Initiative for Finance Against Slavery and Trafficking co-organise a roundtable discussion on managing modern slavery risks in capital markets     On 29 April 2021 the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Dame...
News | 31 March 2021
IASC and Rights Lab launch new research agreement
The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Dame Sara Thornton, and the Rights Lab at the University of Nottingham have agreed a protocol on working more closely together to collaborate on research and innovation on modern slavery.
News | 29 March 2021
IASC paper: Financial Investigation of Modern Slavery
The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Dame Sara Thornton, has today published a new paper urging police practitioners to prioritise financial investigation of modern slavery and human trafficking crimes.
News | 24 March 2021
Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner receives Themis Lifetime Achievement Award
Dame Sara Thornton, the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, has received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Themis AFC Awards 2021 which were held on 23 March. This award recognises the work of individuals in the public or private sector who have repeatedly championed financial crime prevention.
News | 04 March 2021
Dame Sara comments on ICIBI report and Government response
The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Dame Sara Thornton, has released comments on an Independent Chief Inspector of Borders and Immigration (ICIBI) report on modern slavery and Government response to the report laid in Parliament today (Thursday 4 March 2021).
News | 02 March 2021
“Campaigners welcome potential Boohoo US import ban after slave labour allegations”
Speaking to Sky News, the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Dame Sara Thornton comments on a potential ban on US imports where there have been allegations of labour abuse for some brands.
News | 25 February 2021
Project Officer internship
The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner is offering a unique opportunity to enjoy the benefits of a traditional internship i.e. learning with and from a small team of experienced, supportive colleagues, but on an 8 week fixed term paid contract basis. The purpose of the role is to deliver a specific survivor informed research project, likely to focus on exploring models for survivor engagement within anti-slavery work or examining barriers to sustainable independence for survivors of modern slavery in the UK. The title and detail of the project will be agreed dependant on the experience, knowledge and interests of the successful candidate.
News | 15 February 2021
IASC paper: The EU Settlement Scheme and points-based immigration system
The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Dame Sara Thornton, has published a briefing paper outlining potential risks of exploitation related to the EU Settlement Scheme and the UK’s new points-based immigration system.
News | 03 February 2021
Incentivising businesses to tackle labour abuses
A blog written by Dame Sara and Matthew Taylor, former Director of Labour Market Enforcement.
News | 02 February 2021
"Name and shame firms over supply chain slave labour, says Dame Sara Thornton"
Dame Sara Thornton, Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner and Matthew Taylor, former Director of Labour Market Enforcement, write in today’s The Times that companies must be named and shamed if slavery or criminal labour exploitation is uncovered at any stage in their supply chain.
News | 19 January 2021
“OPINION: Britain's finance industry is floundering on modern slavery”
In a piece for Thomson Reuters Foundation, the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner urges financial institutions to take the issue of modern slavery seriously. A new report has found worryingly low levels of awareness of forced labour and exploitation of workers in the UK’s financial sector.
News | 18 January 2021
New joint report on modern slavery and financial services
A groundbreaking report into the UK’s financial sector has found worryingly low levels of awareness of forced labour and exploitation of workers.
News | 12 January 2021
IASC response: UK Government announces business measures over Xinjiang human rights abuses
The Government has today (12 January 2021) announced new measures to help ensure that British organisations are not complicit in, nor profiting from, the human rights violations in Xinjiang. Measures include the introduction of financial penalties for businesses that do not comply with the Modern Slavery Act.
News | 04 January 2021
IASC commentary: Supporting survivors to regain independence
Comments by the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Dame Sara Thornton, feature in an article by Thomson Reuters Foundation on priorities for the anti-slavery movement in 2021. She expands on her comments here on the moral and practical arguments for granting leave to survivors.
News | 22 December 2020
IASC blog: Understanding perilous journeys
Yesterday two men were found guilty of organised immigration crime and the manslaughter of 39 Vietnamese people found dead in a lorry last October. These individuals were part of an international people smuggling operation making huge profits from desperate people, who were in search of a better life for themselves and for their families. Sadly, this tragic incident is all too typical of the way in which criminal gangs exploit vulnerable people.
News | 21 December 2020
IASC statement: Grays trial
IASC statement: Grays trial
News | 04 December 2020
Dame Sara welcomes report examining impact of Brexit on modern slavery
The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Dame Sara Thornton, has welcomed a new report by the Human Trafficking Foundation examining the challenges and opportunities Brexit may bring in reshaping immigration policy and establishing measures to prevent trafficking.
News | 16 November 2020
Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner welcomes NCA action on stolen slavery funds
The National Crime Agency has begun a week of action in collaboration with law enforcement partners across the country to combat modern slavery and human trafficking. Project AIDANT will focus on the illicit financial gains that perpetrators obtain through exploitation of their victims.
News | 17 October 2020
"UK companies must answer for modern slavery in supply chains"
Ahead of Anti-Slavery Day, Britain's Independent Anti Slavery commissioner Sara Thornton says "no company can be complacent about trafficking". In an article published by Thomas Reuters Foundation, Dame Sara Thornton called on companies to be held to account for modern slavery in their supply chains.
News | 15 October 2020
Criminal Justice Inspectorate (Northern Ireland) publish MSHT report
Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland (CJI) today published its first in-depth assessment of how the criminal justice system in Northern Ireland deals with modern slavery and human trafficking Dame Sara Thornton, Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, said: “I welcome the Criminal Justice Inspection Northern Ireland’s assessment of how the criminal justice system in Northern Ireland deals with modern slavery and human trafficking and look forward to seeing how the PSNI, Public Prosecution Service (PPS) of Northern Ireland and Ministry for Justice respond to the report’s recommendations”.
News | 14 October 2020
ICAI publish review - the UK's approach to tackling modern slavery through the aid budget
The ICAI review published today looks at UK aid spending of over £200 million to tackle modern slavery in developing countries - a 'new and complex' issue for the aid programme that affects millions of people worldwide.
News | 08 October 2020
The Modern Slavery Act 2015 statutory defence: call for evidence - review published
The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Dame Sara Thornton, has today published her review of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 statutory defence. The review’s purpose was to gain a better understanding of what was happening on the ground in respect of the use of the statutory defence. Having received over 100 written responses referring to 200 cases, and listened to an informed and broad spectrum of expert evidence, the review makes ten practical recommendations aimed at making the current system work better.
News | 22 September 2020
IASC reaction: Government's response to transparency in supply chains consultation
IASC reaction: Government's response to transparency in supply chains consultation
News | 17 September 2020
Publication of the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner’s Annual Report 2019-2020
The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner has published her Annual Report for 2019-2020. This has been laid in Parliament by the Secretary of State.
News | 17 September 2020
"Modern slavery by “ruthless” county lines gangs doubled during lockdown, figures show"
Comments by Dame Sara in an article in The Telegraph on county lines.
News | 12 August 2020
Launch: IASC and ECPAT UK review on multi-agency decision making models
The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Dame Sara Thornton, has today launched an IASC and ECPAT UK review examining what works in existing multi-agency decision making frameworks to help inform future thinking on potential pilots for devolved NRM decision making for child victims of trafficking.
News | 27 July 2020
"Tighten business rules to stop slavery, urges commissioner Sara Thornton"
In an interview with The Times, Dame Sara calls for stricter rules on businesses to stamp out the exploitation of workers after it emerged that no company had been censured for failings.
News | 14 July 2020
"No supply chain is safe from slavery, says tsar"
Comments by Dame Sara are featured in an article in The Times covering the recent Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner review Operation Fort - What businesses should learn from the UK’s largest anti-slavery prosecution (June 2020).
News | 13 July 2020
Dame Sara welcomes Centre for Social Justice and Justice and Care report
A new report by the Centre for Social Justice and Justice and Care examines the current state of the modern slavery response in the UK, five years after the Modern Slavery Act was passed.
News | 09 July 2020
"Back whistleblowers to stop abuses, says UK anti-slavery tsar after Boohoo fallout"
In an interview for Thomson Reuters Foundation, Dame Sara Thornton, the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, warns that factory workers in Leicester are scared to report labour exploitation for fear of losing jobs.
News | 03 July 2020
Dame Sara appointed Honorary Professor in Modern Slavery at the University of Liverpool
Dame Sara has been appointed to the post of Honorary Professor in Modern Slavery at the University of Liverpool.
News | 02 July 2020
Launch: IASC and PaCCS review on Survivor Support Research
The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Dame Sara Thornton, has today launched an IASC and PaCCS review examining how far the evidence base on support for survivors of modern slavery is informing policy and the work of practitioners in the UK.
News | 30 June 2020
Dame Sara joins the Prime Minister’s Hidden Harms Summit
The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner joined the Government’s first ever summit on hidden harms on 21 May 2020. Led by the Prime Minister, the summit focused on how to tackle crimes, such as domestic abuse, sexual abuse, child sexual abuse and modern slavery, which may have been impacted by the coronavirus lockdown.
News | 23 June 2020
IASC Blog: Operation Fort one year on
You may have seen stories about Operation Fort in the headlines last summer. This was when eight members of an organised criminal group were convicted of modern slavery and human trafficking offences. It was the largest case of its kind to go through the British courts, and involved years of painstaking police work, and immense bravery of the victims who testified.
News | 17 June 2020
IASC Presentation: Operation Fort - What businesses should learn from the UK’s largest anti-slavery prosecution
A presentation delivered by Emma Crates, IASC Prevent Lead, at the launch of the IASC review Operation Fort - What businesses should learn from the UK’s largest anti-slavery prosecution (16 June 2020).
News | 16 June 2020
Launch: IASC review on Operation Fort
The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Dame Sara Thornton, has today published her review investigating the business response to Operation Fort, Britain’s largest anti-slavery prosecution to date with an estimated 400 victims.
News | 29 May 2020
Scottish Government releases Third Annual Progress Report on the Trafficking and Exploitation Strategy
Scottish Government releases Third Annual Progress Report on the Trafficking and Exploitation Strategy   The Scottish Government has today released the Third Annual Progress Report on the Trafficking and Exploitation Strategy. This is also the first...
News | 19 May 2020
Dame Sara welcomes Modern Slavery Policy and Evidence Centre funding call
The Modern Slavery and Human Rights Policy and Evidence Centre (MSPEC) has launched a £300k funding call for research focused on the recovery and support needs of modern slavery victims and survivors in the immediate and longer term.
News | 05 May 2020
"Traffickers could profit when UK eases lockdown, anti-slavery chief warns"
In an interview for Thomson Reuters Foundation, Dame Sara warns that Britain must be vigilant against human traffickers when it eases the coronavirus lockdown, warning of potential exploitation in industries such as hospitality that will be in a rush to recruit new workers.
News | 14 April 2020
Closed - IASC Rapid evidence assessment: Multi-agency decision making
The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner has launched a rapid evidence assessment to identify models of good practice for multi-agency decision making.
News | 09 April 2020
IASC Blog: Vulnerable victims of modern slavery must remain our priority at this difficult time
For victims and survivors of modern slavery in the UK, these are unsettling and frightening times. A rapidly changing public health crisis has led to fundamental changes in the way that support can be delivered to those who are vulnerable and who may have complex trauma and health needs.
News | 01 April 2020
Dame Sara welcomes Victims’ Commissioner Review
Dame Sara welcomes Victims’ Commissioner Review on children’s experience of domestic abuse and children’s offending
News | 18 March 2020
Message from Dame Sara - Impact of Coronavirus
A message to Dame Sara regarding the impact of Coronavirus on modern slavery survivors and support providers
News | 10 March 2020
IASC Lecture: “Half of the world’s victims of slavery live in the Commonwealth: What can be done about it?”
A lecture delivered by Dame Sara Thornton at the Annual Commonwealth Day Westminster Seminar (9 March 2020).
News | 02 March 2020
“Children coerced into drug trafficking face cycle of exploitation due to failings in system, warns slavery tsar”
In an interview for The Independent, Dame Sara Thornton, the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, discussed her concerns about rising referrals of child trafficking victims who may be trapped in a cycle of exploitation and calls for power to be devolved to local authorities to support them.
News | 21 February 2020
IASC Blog: Victims are waiting too long for decisions – The time has come for more radical reform
Spending time with victims and survivors of modern slavery is an important part of my role. Sometimes I visit safe houses, but I have also met victims in churches, asylum seeker accommodation, conferences, offices and on social occasions. I have often been struck by their courage and strength despite having suffered appalling abuse. I have also become gravely concerned about the length of time they are waiting for decisions from the Home Office about their future.
News | 19 February 2020
IASC reaction: Government announces new UK points-based immigration system
Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner reaction: Government announces new UK points-based immigration system   The Government has today (19 February 2020) launched a new points-based immigration system with new criteria for migrants who want to work in...
News | 07 February 2020
IASC Blog: A public health approach to modern slavery
Public Health England and the IASC jointly hosted a roundtable this week to discuss a public health approach to modern slavery and human trafficking. We brought together a range of academics, policymakers, practitioners and civil society to consider the value of taking a broad preventative approach to modern slavery using public health knowledge and principles.
News | 17 January 2020
Closed - IASC Call for Evidence: Use of the Modern Slavery Act’s Section 45 statutory defence
The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner has launched a call for evidence on use of the Modern Slavery Act's Section 45 statutory defence
News | 10 January 2020
Dame Sara welcomes HMICFRS report on county lines offending
The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Dame Sara Thornton, has today welcomed the findings of a report by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) highlighting effective use of the Modern Slavery Act 2015 by police in countering county lines offending.
News | 08 January 2020
“Times letters: Merging police forces in England and Wales”
A letter by Dame Sara Thornton, the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, features in The Times on the impact of outdated police structures on forces’ ability to tackle modern slavery and human trafficking.
News | 29 December 2019
“Letters to the Editor: Firms exploiting slaves will be found out”
A letter by Dame Sara Thornton features in The Sunday Times commenting on an earlier story “Tesco charity cards ‘packed by China’s prison slaves’”.
News | 17 December 2019
"Crackdown on human traffickers 'failing' as number of convictions fell to just 42 last year"
Dame Sara Thornton, the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, spoke to the Mail on Sunday about concerns over low rates of prosecutions and convictions for modern slavery crimes.
News | 16 December 2019
Hertfordshire Modern Slavery Partnership raises awareness of homelessness and modern slavery
The Hertfordshire Modern Slavery Partnership has today launched a week-long campaign to raise awareness of the link between modern slavery and homelessness.
News | 21 November 2019
"Why I am Running for Love, by the UK Anti-Slavery Commissioner"
In a blog for Tribe, the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Dame Sara Thornton provides an insight from her role and describes why she chose to join the Run for Love for the final day.
News | 10 November 2019
"Dame Sara Thornton: There could be slaves working in your local florist, restaurant or nail bar"
In an interview for The Telegraph, Dame Sara Thornton discusses the challenges and reality of tackling modern slavery, five months into her role.
News | 03 November 2019
“Letters to the Editor: Taking the fight to people-smugglers”
A letter by Dame Sara Thornton features in The Sunday Times on the tragic discovery of the bodies of 39 Vietnamese men, women and teenagers in Grays, Essex.
News | 23 October 2019
IASC statement: Tragic discovery of 39 bodies found in lorry container in Essex
IASC statement: Tragic discovery of 39 bodies found in lorry container in Essex
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 | 14 July 2019
"Letters to the Editor: Firms must act to stamp out slavery"
A letter by Dame Sara Thornton features in The Sunday Times on the story that some of Britain’s best-known supermarkets and retailers have been selling goods from supply chains involving modern slaves.
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
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. The visit...
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.
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