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.

The Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, Dame Sara Thornton, said:

“I welcome ICAI’s review of the UK’s approach to tackling modern slavery through the aid programme. The government has met its commitment to spend £200 million in UK aid on fighting modern slavery and it is crucial that this has been subject to robust, independent scrutiny. The UK’s efforts to raise the global profile of modern slavery have been successful, however, a more strategic and systematic approach is required to improve knowledge on what works and achieve impact. I hope ICAI’s recommendations help to support an evidence-based and survivor informed portfolio that achieves long-term impact in tackling modern slavery.”