This newsletter is an opportunity for Human Trafficking Foundation (HTF) Forum members to publicise events, projects, research, campaigns and job opportunities. You can see recordings or download minutes of our previous online events here. 

This newsletter goes out to over 1300 individuals working in anti-trafficking. To share information for the newsletter, please contact [email protected]

Reports & Publications

Creating a Safe and Fair UK Immigration Policy for Workers Briefing 
This Focus on Labour Exploitation (FLEX) briefing examines how restricted visa conditions together with migration costs, a lack of planning or scrutiny around routes and intersecting policies such as a lack of labour market enforcement or social security can create risks of exploitation for workers. It outlines the actions that should be taken to address risks and to order workers to be treated fairly. The briefing is available here. 

Automotive Supply Chains and Forced Labor in the Uyghur Region
Sheffield Hallam University’s Helena Kennedy Centre has published its most recent report in a series on forced labour in the Uyghur Region entitled ‘Driving Force: Automotive Supply Chains and Forced Labour in the Uyghur Region’ and has launched an interactive automotive supply chain map to accompany it. A six-month investigation analysis of publicly available documents revealed expanding links between western car brands and Uyghur abuses. The report finds that every major car brand – including Volkswagen, BMW, Honda, Ford, GM, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Tesla and NIO – is at high risk of sourcing from companies linked to abuses in the Uyghur region. The automotive supply chain map can be used to search for car brands, parts manufacturers, and raw materials processors and identify their connections to the Uyghur Region. 

Local Government Association Modern Slavery Guidance and Maturity Matrix
The LGA has published a new council guide on modern slavery which is supported by a maturity matrix designed to assist councils in developing their work on modern slavery. As well as general sections on modern slavery, the guide is split into targeted sections for officers working in different council services including children’s services, adult social care, housing, community and regulatory services and procurement. The maturity matrix identifies four progress levels (basic first steps, early progress, substantial progress and mature practice). 

It’s a Penalty Commonwealth Games Campaign Impact Report 
It’s a Penalty campaign around major sporting events, harnessing the power of sport to prevent abuse, exploitation and trafficking worldwide. In June-August 2022, It’s a Penalty launched a campaign to raise awareness about human trafficking, exploitation and abuse, the penalties for offenders, signs to look out for, how to report a suspected case and support available for survivors. The Birmingham Campaign mobilised during the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham to encourage millions of people to help prevent modern slavery and protect survivors throughout the West Midlands, the UK and worldwide. Read the impact report for the campaign here.

Centre for Policy Studies Report on UK’s Immigration and Asylum System Reform 
A new paper entitled ‘stopping the crossings How Britain can take back control of its immigration and asylum system’ has been published by the Centre for Policy Studies. It sets out a number of proposals for dealing with immigration (and includes trafficking and modern slavery into this). The UNHCR has expressed concern with the proposals presented in the report, noting that the ‘report contains critical factual and legal errors regarding the international legal status of refugees and asylum-seekers. Read the UNHCR’s response to the report here.

Announcements

The Human Trafficking Foundation’s Call for Good Housing Practice
An area that has been brought to HTF’s attention time and time again is the lack of adequate housing for victims of modern slavery and a disjointed approach to both emergency and long-term accommodation. The Human Trafficking Foundation is undertaking research funded by Commonweal Housing to explore whether the Whole Housing Approach for Domestic Abuse can be replicated for Modern Slavery. Within this research, HTF would like to identify examples of good housing practices for survivors of modern slavery both outside and within the NRM. Please contact [email protected] with examples of best practices. 

Human Rights of Asylum Seekers in the UK Inquiry Call for Evidence 
The Joint Committee on Human Rights is looking into the rights of asylum seekers in the UK, with a view to identifying human rights concerns. The inquiry also assesses whether the UK’s current legal framework is adequate to meet its human rights obligations to those who are victims of modern slavery or human trafficking. The inquiry is currently accepting evidence from interested groups and individuals and answers to the questions can be submitted until 15th December 2022. Organisations from the anti-trafficking sector are collating evidence in this spreadsheet which can be used to support submissions. Submit evidence here.

Second Wave Of People Displaced from Ukraine & Trafficking Risks
As temperatures in Ukraine are set to drop as far as -20 degrees this winter, and with Russian forces targeting power stations, leaving many without electricity or heating there is an anticipation of the second wave of people being forced to flee Ukraine in the coming weeks. Signposting those who are leaving Ukraine to practical resources is essential for their safety from trafficking and exploitation. Travel Safe, Stay Safe offers advice on how to seek sanctuary safely available in Ukrainian, Russian and English (also lists support organisations and hotlines in European countries) and information on trafficking from STOP THE TRAFFIK. There is also this useful guide to Staying Stay in the UK, in Ukrainian and Russian. 

Updated London Modern Slavery SPOC Directory 
The Human Trafficking Foundation works with local authorities in the Greater London area to support the development of their response to modern slavery and human trafficking. As part of this, we produce an annual directory of Modern Slavery Single Points of Contact/Champions in statutory authorities across London including representatives within the NHS, police and local authorities which has now been updated for 2023. Please contact [email protected] to request a copy of the directory. This will be updated again with the addition of police SPOCs in the coming weeks.

World Jam Outreach for Recovery Project 
World Jam is an organisation created to support and connect marginalised Nottingham communities through music and poetry. World Jam is running a two-year National Lottery-funded project called Outreach for Recovery, running music jams and events, writing workshops, talks and socials, all of which are free to people who can’t afford to pay. World Jam also welcomes all styles and all languages at their events and the project is run by six people from all around the world, including two former asylum seekers. Email [email protected] to find out more.

Northumbria University ‘Policy from Below’ Survey
Northumbria University is undertaking a project focused on ‘policy-making from below’, paying attention to policy ideas emerging and developing in the trafficking sector, who gets to participate in this and how policy change might happen. Researchers request that anti-slavery organisations respond to a 10-minute online questionnaire which can be found here. The survey allows organisations working in the sector to reflect upon their involvement in policy in this field. 

Events & Training

Safeguarding Victims of Modern Slavery VITA Training
This two-hour interactive webinar will cover modern slavery human trafficking and the health impact, equipping practitioners with knowledge, confidence and transferable consultation skills to safely identify, support and safeguard survivors of this crime. This training is for clinicians and healthcare professionals who consult with patients and for anyone whose clinical role requires at least Level 2 Adult Safeguarding. 8th December 12 pm. Find out more here.

Celebrating Britain’s Migrant Domestic Workers Event
Join the Kanlungan Filipino Consortium for an evening of performances by domestic workers, food and festivities, championing better workers’ rights for migrant domestic workers to commemorate Human Rights Day 7th December 6.45 pm at The Foundry SE11 5RR, register for your place here.

Vacancies

Ella’s Vacancy
Ella’s is looking for someone with the skills and experience to set up and then support Ella’s’ new Survivor Advisory Board. As well as the establishment of the board, this will include coordinating quarterly meetings and liaising with staff at Ella’s to help gather and implement board feedback effectively. Find out more here, closing date 12th December. 

HTF Resources

HTF’s Survivor Hub 
Survivor advocates and HTF have created an online Survivor Hub, a place for survivors to find opportunities for work and paid research participation, to find resources on education, housing support, the NRM, and mental health support and includes directories of support providers and legal advisors across the country. Please share this widely in your networks. If your organisation has resources or opportunities that you would like included please email [email protected]

London Directory of Services 
HTF has created a Directory of Services, bringing together details of support agencies for survivors of modern slavery across London. The Directory is a live document, with more organisations added all the time. Access it now on our website under resources. If there is an organisation you think should be included, or to amend any information please email [email protected]

Mapping Survivor Support Services
Our map of UK survivor support services aims to be a useful tool for people working with survivors to see what services are available in their area. View the map here. If your organisation provides support of any kind to survivors of trafficking and would like to be added to the map, please email jasmine@humantraffickingfoundation.org