Multi-agency video marks World Day Against Trafficking
28th July 2022
The Gangmasters and Labour Abuse Authority (GLAA) and partner agencies have recorded a short video to mark World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.
Officers from the GLAA, National Crime Agency, Border Force and the police describe how the agencies all work together to safeguard vulnerable people and bring their exploiters to justice.
The United Nations World Day Against Trafficking in Persons takes place on Saturday July 30, with this year’s focus on how technology can both enable and impede human trafficking.
In 2018, about 50,000 victims of human trafficking victims were detected and reported by 148 countries.
Half of those were trafficked for sexual exploitation, with 38% exploited for forced labour.
Victims can end up working in places such as hand car washes, nail bars, construction sites and in agriculture. Others are forced by criminal gangs to transport illegal drugs from one area to another as part of County Lines.
Women and girls make up almost two thirds of all victims and one in three of those trafficked globally is a child.
The issue of human trafficking was brought into stark focus earlier this month by former Olympic champion Sir Mo Farah, who revealed he had been illegally trafficked into the UK and forced into domestic servitude.
GLAA Chief Executive Elysia McCaffrey said: “World Day Against Trafficking in Persons is a hugely important day in raising public awareness of this heinous crime. Thousands of vulnerable people are sadly trafficked and exploited every single year not just in the UK but across the rest of the world.
“I am encouraged by the momentum that seems to be building behind the campaign this year, in large part because of the strength and courage Sir Mo Farah showed in describing his shocking experiences so honestly. We hope that others now feel empowered to share their stories and report their concerns if there’s something they do not feel comfortable with.
“For our agency and our partners, every day is world day against trafficking and we will continue to do our utmost to give people the help and protection they so desperately need.”
If you believe someone is a victim of human trafficking or modern slavery, contact the Modern Slavery and Exploitation Helpline on 08000 121 700.
Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
There are also a number of apps which provide information about employment rights and help workers and consumers report their concerns about human trafficking and labour exploitation.