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Anti-Slavery Day highlights a very hidden local problem


October 18, 2019 - 1569 views

Today is Anti-Slavery Day and across North Wales groups have joined forces to raise awareness of the continuing need to address the problem of slavery, human trafficking and exploitation.

Although many people think the slave trade ended when slavery was abolished in 1833, there are now more slaves than ever and may be closer than you think.

Created in 2010, the aim of the national day is to encourage government, local authorities, companies, charities and individuals to raise awareness of such practices and to do what we can to tackle modern slavery in the UK.

Working alongside partners including North Wales Police, Conwy County Borough Council are utilising all publicity to promote the day and raise awareness so that action can be taken against these abhorrent crimes.

People often believe that modern slavery is limited to the big cities and industrial areas, however this is not the case.

This year's campaign is centred on the very real challenges faced in Wales in the present day. Here, labour exploitation is the second most common form of modern slavery, after sexual exploitation with the agricultural, food, hospitality and construction sectors being particularly vulnerable to forced labour practices.

Tackling Modern Slavery is a priority for North Wales Police, who work closely with other agencies to bring offenders to justice and protect the victims of slavery. The North Wales Regional Anti-Slavery Group has also been progressing well with the Regional Action Plan. The logo above signifies these crimes that are often hidden in plain sight in Wales.

Annwen Morgan, Chief Executive of Anglesey County Council, and Chair of the North-Wales Regional Anti Slavery Group said “We are proceeding well with the four main aims of our action plan, however we will continue to raise awareness of this heinous crime and we will improve referral pathways and strengthen victim support within the Region."

She explained, “With the support of the Welsh Government, North Wales’ local authorities are taking a lead in tackling Modern Slavery in each area of North Wales”.

“Our aim is to raise awareness amongst our partner agencies and in our communities and improving reporting, victim care, prevention, enforcement and ultimately prosecution with the help of the Police”.