Marking Anti-Slavery Week 2014 in Wales

15 Oct 2014 10:53 AM

Wales will mark Anti-Slavery Week 2014 with a range of activities across the nation.

Running from Monday 13th until Saturday 18th October, the purpose of the week is to raise awareness of modern slavery.

There will be a series of high profile visits by multi-agency anti-slavery groups and police forces across Wales.

• The North Wales Regional Anti-Slavery fora will be at Holyhead Port on Friday 17th October, handing out leaflets and talking to passengers and lorry drivers. Throughout the week anti-slavery awareness raising stickers and leaflets will be handed out throughout North Wales railway stations, bus stations and taxi offices and ranks.
• Dyfed Powys Police and UK Border Force will be giving out information and leaflets to passengers and drivers, including lorry drivers and port staff at Pembroke Dock and Fishguard Port.
• Gwent Police will be providing anti-slavery information by visiting nail bars, massage parlours, fast food outlets and other premises including doctors surgeries to raise the awareness of slavery.
• South Wales Police and UK Border Force will be giving out information and leaflets to passengers and staff at Cardiff Airport, and South Wales Police will be carrying out high profile visits to nail bars, massage parlours, fast food outlets and other premises.
• British Transport Police will be handing out anti-slavery information and leaflets to passengers and staff at Cardiff Central Railway Station.
• Members of the Western Bay Regional Anti-Slavery fora will be in attendance at Swansea City Council giving out anti-slavery information and leaflets. Also the anti-slavery Wales Anti-Slavery Leadership Group DVD ‘Open our eyes’ will be playing on the public information screen in reception.
• UK Border Force at Swansea Docks will be carrying out high profile targeted anti-slavery initiatives.
• Merthyr Young People Against Slavery Group will launch their short film ‘Caught in Traffik’ which will be screened on Thursday 16th October at the Vue Cinema, Merthyr between 18:30 and 21:00.

Public Services Minister Leighton Andrews, AM, said:

“Although slavery was made illegal in the 19th century, it still exists today. The activities across Wales this week will bring into stark focus this isn’t only a crime affecting developing countries.

“Slavery is a crime which affects an estimated 20 million people across the globe. This includes Wales, which is why this week’s activities are so important in raising awareness.”