Amidst headlines dominated by the U.S. Presidential Election, global conflicts and a dramatic increase in natural disasters, the issue of modern slavery and human trafficking can easily fade into the background. Yet, UK Anti-Slavery Day, on October 18th, serves as a powerful reminder of the silent suffering endured by millions around the world. Shockingly, 49.6 million people are trapped in modern slavery today – equivalent to the entire population of Colombia. Approximately 1 in 3 of these victims are vulnerable children, who have been robbed of their freedom and their innocence. UK Anti-Slavery Day provides an opportunity to focus public attention on those being exploited and to reinvigorate the fight against modern slavery and human trafficking.
Our patron Cherie Blair (CBE) highlighted that “exploitation is not something happening far away; it is embedded right here in British businesses”. A recent investigation revealed that a criminal gang exploited 16 vulnerable victims from the Czech Republic, forcing them to work at McDonald’s and a bakery supplying major supermarkets. They lived in cramped accommodation, paid only a few pounds a day, forced to work extreme hours, and controlled through fear and violence. Their wages were stolen by the traffickers and used to fund extravagant lifestyles, including the purchase of exotic holidays and expensive sports cars.
Trafficking is all about profit, with traffickers making an estimated $500 billion in revenue annually. Currently, trafficking is low risk and high reward. Traffickers generate approximately $200,000 in profit per victim exploited, for an associated likelihood of under $100 in risk of being fined, arrested or prosecuted (Avery Centre, 2021).
STOP THE TRAFFIK aims to disrupt the traffickers’ ‘business model’. Our prevention programmes arm at-risk individuals with the information they need to avoid exploitation, protect their human rights, and find safety faster. These programmes equip and empower vulnerable individuals with critical safety information and by signposting to vetted support organisations. For us at STOP THE TRAFFIK, communication is a matter of life and death.