News
Anti-Slavery
 Anti-Slavery International continues to campaign for the Modern Slavery (Victim Support) Bill to become law, so that victims of slavery are given the time and support they need to begin their recovery and help with the prosecution of the criminals who profit from exploiting them. Now thanks to two survivors who challenged the Home Office in court, and support by Anti-Slavery International and its partner organisations, the UK Government has now conceded that victims of trafficking should receive long-term support which reflects their individual circumstances, rather than cutting their support after only 45 days, as is currently the case for all victims. This is amazing news and the result of years of campaigning by Anti-Slavery International and people like you, partner organisations, and survivors. The Anti-Trafficking Monitoring Group, a coalition of UK charities coordinated by Anti-Slavery International, supported this legal challenge by submitting evidence. Victims of cruelty face a system that neglects them Lindita* was trafficked from Albania to the UK for sexual exploitation. She now has a young daughter to care for and is trying to rebuild her life. Nhat* was trafficked from Vietnam to the UK and forced to cultivate cannabis. Abused by his traffickers, he still struggles to overcome the trauma he experienced. Lindita and Nhat were both recognised as victims of human trafficking by the Home Office. However, they were terrified because they’d lose their specialist support only 45 days later, which can include somewhere safe to stay and medical and psychological care to aid recovery. This can result in homelessness, mental health issues and a return to the slavery they escaped from. Challenging the Home Office Together with their legal representatives, Lindita and Nhat argued that the recovery process for victims of trafficking doesn’t end when they receive recognition. Also, they successfully argued that ending their support on a cliff-edge was unlawful and in breach of the Council of Europe Convention Against Trafficking in Human Beings. The Home Office has now conceded that they were right. The fight isn’t over yet. We intend to ensure the Home Office follows through and develops a system which cares for survivors for as long as they need it and according to their specific needs. We believe this should include redesigning the way decisions are made about victim status, improving access to support services such as healthcare, counselling and legal aid, as well as granting survivors at least 12 months to remain in the UK until they fully recover. But we can’t do it alone. Please join our movement today and make sure that people like Lindita and Nhat get the long term help they need. With thanks, Jasmine O’Connor CBE Chief Executive Officer Anti-Slavery International |
