Keep up the pressure for survivors!
From Freedom United
Good news – last week, the Modern Slavery (Victim Support) Bill had its first reading in this new session in the British House of Lords! If passed into law, the Bill would guarantee victims of modern slavery in the UK support for 12 months, giving them a real chance at recovery and minimizing the risk of retrafficking.
| We were disappointed to see the Bill, first introduced in November 2017, dropped last September as a result of political uncertainty and the suspension of Parliament – but with a new government in place, we’re now back on track. Back in March, survivors like Ada* joined us outside the Home Office and Downing Street calling on the UK to better support victims of modern slavery.[1] Ada* explained why life is so difficult without the right support: |
| “We need our voice to be heard. It’s so traumatic to be a victim of trafficking and we have been going through a lot. The way we are treated… it’s another depression we are given by this hostile environment.” |
| Now is the time to make sure voices like Ada’s aren’t forgotten. Call on the UK to give victims of modern slavery a chance to recover. Passing this Bill would bring the UK closer to ensuring victims are provided with adequate support and protection from exploitation under its international commitments as part of the Forced Labour Protocol (P29). The UK has an opportunity to be a global leader in ending modern slavery through protecting victims from retrafficking by allowing them to rebuild their lives and recover. We’re glad that the Bill has been reintroduced and hope to see it progress quickly through the House of Lords so that it becomes law. Join the campaign today and let’s keep up the momentum for survivors. In solidarity, Miriam and the Freedom United team *Name changed to protect their identity. |
