Welsh Government
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Making Wales hostile to slavery
The Minister for Local Government and Government Business, Lesley Griffiths AM, has issued an update on the actions taken to make Wales a country hostile to slavery.
In January 2014, the Minister published the Annual Report of the Welsh Government Anti-Slavery Coordinator for Wales. Six months on, progress has been made.
Lesley Griffiths AM said:
“Whilst I was pleased to hear the announcement in the Queen’s Speech of the UK Government’s introduction of the Modern Slavery Bill, here in Wales our action on slavery began several years ago.
“Wales has led the way across the UK. We have brought about a step change in anti-slavery training across Wales, including awareness raising and training for specific frontline practitioners and professionals within the Police, Local Authorities and the Third Sector. The quality of our training is attracting interest from across the UK.
“Crucially, we have developed a Survivor Care Pathway to ensure consistency in how survivors are supported.
“We developed intelligence and information sharing protocols to ensure more law enforcement operations take place to rescue people held in slavery and bring criminals to justice.
“Our highly successful national TV advertisement and poster campaign, and the funding of Theatre versus Oppression’s hard-hitting production “Sold” on DVD, has raised public awareness of slavery taking place here in Wales.
“I have visited Cardiff Airport and Holyhead Port to see the security arrangements for tackling slavery and to meet key staff, including Police and the UK Border Force, engaged in this work.
“It is a sad fact this heinous crime is taking place in Wales in the 21st Century, however the success achieved in Wales is built on a solid foundation of partnership working and this multi-agency response, willingly provided.
“I have met survivors of slavery and have been moved and horrified by their stories. I have met dedicated Third Sector providers who help and support survivors to regain some sense of normality and, where possible, return to their families. I have met with our partners from the Crown Prosecution Service and the Police. They are relentless in their efforts to identify perpetrators and bring them to justice. This is never an easy task, often with reluctant, frightened witnesses and with the force of organised crime gangs frequently behind this growing crime.
“However, the Welsh Government has made significant strides in our commitment to tackle slavery. We will continue to make Wales hostile to slavery and provide the best possible support to survivors.”
Links
Anti-slaveryWritten Statement - Update on Making Wales Hostile to Slavery
