UK Government immigration proposals are set to erode rights and protections afforded to victims of human trafficking and modern slavery unless they are amended, groups working to curb exploitation say.

A joint letter to The Telegraph signed by eleven groups that focus on trafficking and modern slavery says the Nationality and Borders Bill “threatens to diminish protections” including statutory support for victims and a legal right to remain.

Highlighting the tragic situation in Ukraine, the groups add that affording proper protections is more important than ever for “the sake of Ukrainians, and many other vulnerable people seeking refuge on our shores”.

The Nationality and Borders Bill is currently at Report Stage in the House of Lords. Tomorrow, Tuesday 8 March, a series of amendments will be voted on by Peers.

Joint letter

The letter was organised by social policy charity Christian Action Research and Education (CARE) and is co-signed by ten other groups. A full copy is included below.

Sir,

The Ukraine crisis is provoking mass displacement of Europeans not seen since the dark days of the second world war. Hundreds of thousands of men, women, and children are pouring into neighbouring countries. And many will go on to seek refuge elsewhere, including in the UK.

The large numbers of refugees fleeing the conflict will provide conditions ripe for exploitation, with the crisis acting as a recipe for human trafficking and modern slavery. Across Europe, criminal elements are poised to profit from the plight of displaced people.

Governments across Europe must recognise this acute danger now. They must step-up efforts to challenge criminal industries and support victims. The situation also presents a challenge to UK lawmakers, currently considering the Nationality and Borders Bill.

This legislation threatens to diminish protections for victims of trafficking and modern slavery, including statutory support, and a legal right to remain. It must not. It cannot. For the sake of Ukrainians, and many other vulnerable people seeking refuge on our shores.

We call on the government to accept the recommendations of expert groups by legislating for at least 12 months of statutory support for confirmed victims of modern slavery and leave to remain for those who need to access it.

We must act now to ensure proper support for both current and future victims of modern slavery.

Sincerely,

Ross Hendry, CEO Christian Action Research and Education (CARE)
Christian Guy, CEO Justice and Care
David Westlake, CEO International Justice Mission UK (IJM UK)
Tim Nelson, CEO Hope for Justice
Luke de Pulford, CEO Arise Foundation
Lara Bundock, CEO Snowdrop Project
Mia Hasenson-Gross, Executive Director René Cassin
Emily Chalke, Co-Director Ella’s
Nathan Sperry, Refugee and Migrant Forum of Essex & London
Rev. Ian Howarth, Chair Birmingham Methodist District (Adavu Project)
Sister Lynda Dearlove, CEO Women At The Well

ENDS

Noted for Editors

CARE is a Christian charity providing resources and helping to bring Christian insight and experience to matters of public policy and practical caring initiatives.

For more information or to arrange an interview, contact Jamie Gillies: jamie.gillies@care.org.uk | 07384467819

CARE’s work on human trafficking

CARE worked closely with politicians on the following legislation:

• Modern Slavery Act 2015
• Human Trafficking and Exploitation Act (Northern Ireland) 2015
• Human Trafficking and Exploitation (Scotland) Act 2015