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Ensure the survivors of modern slavery are heard
Write to your MP asking the UK Government to ensure that survivors of modern slavery and trafficking are listened to…
Over 40 million people are in modern slavery
Today, over 40 million people are still in slavery. More people that at any other time in history. Survivors of this abuse are the only people who have direct knowledge of how modern slavery takes place. Our collective efforts to end slavery will fall short unless we listen to this expertise. As the provider of interpreting services for the Modern Day Slavery Helpline, Clear Voice understand how important listening is.
Far too often survivors are not given a voice at the decision-making table. That’s why, this Anti-Slavery Day, the Coalition to Stop Slavery are calling for survivors of modern slavery to be listened to.
Survivors of slavery must be part of all conversations that are about them and affect them. Their right to safety and support should be protected, and the best way of doing this is by giving them the opportunity to influence policy – by listening.
Write to your MP
You can be part of the solution by writing to your MP, either by letter or email, using the provided template. Ask them to write to the Home Secretary calling for a formal process through which the survivors of slavery are consulted on anti-slavery legislation and policy making.
You can find out who your local MP is here.
Template Letter…
Dear [insert MP name],
This Anti-Slavery Day, I am writing as your constituent to ask that you raise the need for survivor inclusion in anti-slavery legislation and policy making with the Home Secretary.
Today, over 40 million people are held in modern slavery. Survivors of this abuse are the only people who have direct knowledge of how modern slavery takes place. Efforts to stop slavery will always fall short unless this expertise from lived experience is listened to.
Yet, too often survivors don’t have a seat at the decision-making table. The Coalition to Stop Slavery are calling for the expertise and perspectives of survivors of modern slavery to be integrated into legislation and policy making. Pachaiyammal, a leader in the Released Bonded Labourers Association, co-founder of the Global Survivor Network (globalsurvivornetwork.org), and survivor of bonded labour says:
“Our voices united, our collective strength, is real power. When survivors are at the table, where decisions are made, change happens. Real sustainable solutions are possible. Listen to me. Listen to us. I will continue working for my people until my last breath.”
I believe that survivors must be part of a conversation that is about them.
As your constituent, I am asking you to write to Home Secretary, Priti Patel, calling for a formal process for survivor consultation which ensures that diverse survivor perspectives are integrated at all stages of legislation and policy-making.
Critically, Government should work with survivor groups and civil society to create a consultation process that is trauma-informed and prioritises the wellbeing of all those involved. The review of the Modern Slavery Strategy is an opportunity to develop and implement an inclusive, supportive and robust mechanism for survivors to input into anti-slavery efforts, both domestic and international.
I look forward to hearing from you on what steps have been taken towards improving survivor inclusion.
Best wishes,
[Insert name here]
[Insert postcode here]