A law to end modern slavery was given the royal seal of approval yesterday (26 March 2015), creating a landmark step along the road to the eradication of slavery and human trafficking.
The Modern Slavery Act will bring harsher sentences on the worst offenders, aim to close loopholes being exploited by traffickers and provide better protection for victims. Commenting on the new legislation, Home Secretary Theresa May said,
This landmark legislation sends the strongest possible signal to criminals that if you are involved in this vile trade you will be arrested, you will be prosecuted and you will be locked up. And it says to victims, you are not alone – we are here to help you.
More about the Act can be read on the government’s website.
The Centre for Social Justice
The Modern Slavery Act was originally proposed by the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ), a think tank that advises the government. Empathy Action has worked with CSJ and Slavery Free UK to help raise awareness of these issues but much more is still to be done. We are currently considering a simulation to educate and encourage social action. If you share a passion for ending slavery, want to know more or want to know how you can help then please contact us.