The United Kingdom’s commitment to combating modern slavery and human trafficking took centre stage at the 2024 OSCE Warsaw Human Dimension Conference.
As global crises continue to create vulnerabilities, the UK reinforces its leadership role in addressing these heinous crimes, especially in conflict-affected regions like Ukraine.
Through legislative efforts, international partnerships, and support for civil society, the UK is driving solutions to protect those most at risk.
UK’s Leading Role in Combating Modern Slavery
At the OSCE conference, the UK stressed the importance of global coordination to tackle human trafficking, particularly in times of conflict and displacement.
As the war in Ukraine rages on, millions of displaced people, especially women and children, remain at heightened risk of exploitation. This challenge has only intensified, making international cooperation more vital than ever.
The UK’s representative highlighted that “Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine has precipitated the largest forced displacement of people in Europe since the Second World War.”
This situation has created fertile ground for organised crime networks to target refugees, with many falling victim to modern slavery.
To combat this, the UK has been actively involved in supporting the OSCE Special Representative for Combating Trafficking in Human Beings and backing regional efforts to protect vulnerable populations.
Ongoing UK Initiatives
The UK’s response to modern slavery is multi-faceted, combining legislative measures, law enforcement, and victim support. One of the cornerstones of this effort is the Modern Slavery Act of 2015, which serves as a framework for addressing both domestic and international trafficking cases.
Since its introduction, the Act has significantly increased the number of investigations into modern slavery, from under 200 to more than 4,500. This surge demonstrates the UK’s determination to root out this crime at its core.
In addition to these domestic efforts, the UK has:
- Developed and adapted anti-trafficking materials in Ukrainian to raise awareness.
- Supported the creation of mobile apps designed to track refugees and prevent exploitation.
- Facilitated workshops to reduce trafficking risks for Ukrainian refugees.
These initiatives, while focused on the current crisis in Ukraine, represent the UK’s broader commitment to addressing the root causes of trafficking and protecting those most vulnerable.
Legislative and International Cooperation
The UK’s legislative framework is among the strongest in Europe, thanks to measures such as the Modern Slavery Act. This law not only consolidates previous offences but also introduces harsher penalties for traffickers, including life imprisonment.
Moreover, the government has invested over £40 million in the Modern Slavery Fund, which supports international efforts to combat human trafficking.
One example of successful international cooperation is the Joint Action Plan with Romania. This agreement focuses on reducing the number of Romanian nationals trafficked to the UK. By enhancing bilateral cooperation, the UK and Romania aim to dismantle trafficking networks that exploit vulnerable individuals.
Here’s a breakdown of the UK’s core actions to combat modern slavery and human trafficking:
UK Anti-Slavery Actions |
Details |
|---|---|
| Legislation | Modern Slavery Act 2015: Stronger sentences, Anti-Slavery Commissioner, and profit recovery from traffickers |
| Law Enforcement | Over 4,500 investigations, NCA prioritisation of modern slavery cases |
| Victim Support | Improved National Referral Mechanism, specialist advocates for child victims |
| International Cooperation | £40m Modern Slavery Fund, bilateral agreements with Romania and other nations |
| Awareness Campaigns | National campaigns, public helplines, and training for border and immigration staff |
The Impact of the Ukraine Conflict
The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has created an urgent need for enhanced anti-trafficking efforts. Displaced people, particularly women and children, are at an increased risk of being targeted by traffickers.
The UK has backed the work of the Observatory on Organised Crime, which recently released a report titled The Vulnerable Millions. This study offered valuable insights into how traffickers exploit the chaos of mass displacement, providing governments with the data needed to respond effectively.
In its statement at the OSCE conference, the UK reinforced its support for the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights, which is helping countries improve their prevention and protection measures.
The UK’s involvement in this area highlights its dedication to stopping trafficking before it happens, rather than merely responding to its tragic aftermath.
A Commitment to Long-Term Solutions
The UK has made it clear that tackling modern slavery requires more than just emergency responses. The government is committed to strengthening international ties, improving victim support, and ensuring that traffickers face justice.
As the conference concluded, the UK’s representative called for
“stopping trafficking before it happens, protecting and assisting victims, and bringing perpetrators to justice.”
The UK takes a leading role in combating modern slavery, driving international cooperation, refining laws, and supporting victims to spearhead global progress.
However, the work is far from over, particularly as global conflicts continue to fuel displacement, making it imperative for the international community to remain vigilant and protect the most vulnerable individuals from exploitation.
Sources: THX News, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office & Steven Malby, Deputy Head of Human Rights Department at the FCDO.
