Trafficking survivors call for improved support in UK safe houses
A report on the treatment of trafficking survivors takes a victim-centered approach, new research shows a sharp rise in illegal profits from forced labour, and a documentary examines the plight of Malawian domestic workers trafficked to Oman.
A report by the UK BME Anti-Slavery Network (BASNET) highlights the treatment of trafficking victims in UK safe houses, detailing survivor experiences of intersectional discrimination, sexual exploitation, and a lack of protection from further harm. The Safe House Is Not Safe is the culmination of consultative meetings held in 2022 and 2023 with survivors of modern slavery accommodated in various locations across England, and aims to shine a light on their day-to-day experiences and ongoing concerns.
The report is unique in its approach as it focuses on the lived experiences of survivors of modern slavery, exploitation, and human trafficking in UK safe houses. By centering the voices and perspectives of survivors, it provides a firsthand account of the challenges and issues they deal with. It also addresses the intersectional discrimination faced by survivors, recognizing the complex interplay of factors such as race, gender, ethnicity, religion, and sexual orientation that shape their experiences within safe houses, allowing for a more nuanced understanding of their situation.
Furthermore, BASNET used a trauma-informed approach during consultations with participants, offering access to counseling and ensuring cultural needs were met. This acknowledged the impact of trauma on survivors’ wellbeing and the importance of providing empathetic and supportive care.
The report goes beyond highlighting issues and challenges by providing concrete recommendations for improving the operation of safe houses and the services provided to survivors, based on proposals by participants during the meetings. For instance, they recommend that support workers undergo mandatory and standardized training to effectively assist survivors and address their diverse needs, including training in comprehensive needs and risk assessment strategies, with a specific focus on factors related to race, gender, sexual orientation, and trauma-informed care. Moreover, they suggest that providers, contractors and commissioners should implement and monitor robust race equality, diversity, and inclusion policies and practices.
In addition, unannounced visits to safe houses should be conducted by the relevant authorities, survivors say, and an independent body should be established to assess safe houses and their services to ensure they are survivor-centered and fit for purpose. There should also be a safe and confidential way in which survivors of trafficking can engage with inspection teams in a manner that protects their privacy, and a robust complaint and feedback mechanism should be implemented. Participants also suggested that a handbook or support material on the services that each survivor is entitled to during their stay in a safe house should be provided, including information on what happens following a positive or negative National Referral Mechanism (NRM) decision.
Participants agreed that none of their initial expectations had been met in their respective safe houses, with the conduct and attitudes of staff or support workers often viewed as inadequate. They cited a lack of understanding of their background and profile, and an absence of the skills and training needed to provide relevant support for people with extensive traumatic experiences. Concern for safety and security was also expressed, with participants reporting that their safe houses were used to accommodate people who had been released from prison for crimes including human trafficking and drug offences. And instances of sexual exploitation and harassment were reported, including allegations that women were being propositioned for sex by male residents.
Many of the participants said they strongly believed their negative experiences and treatment in safe houses were directly or indirectly linked to their race, nationality, ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation, noting that limited consideration was given to diversity and social inclusion in the treatment of residents.
BASNET hopes those in positions of responsibility consider the report an opportunity to enhance service provision for vulnerable people, and that it prompts a comprehensive review of service delivery and policy protocols by key stakeholders in the UK and elsewhere, along with consideration of their commitment to achieving race equality, diversity, and inclusion in their service provisions.
Here’s a round-up of other noteworthy news and initiatives:
On Friday, European Union Member States finally reached an agreement on the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), a text weakened by significant last-minute maneuvering but still a historic step forward for human rights and the environment. However, the directive’s impact is limited because it only applies to 5,500 very large companies, representing just 0.05 per cent of European businesses.
A newly launched report by the International Labour Organization states that forced labour in the private economy generates an annual illegal profit of US$236 billion, with a significant increase of US$64 billion (37 per cent) since 2014. Traffickers and criminals are making close to US$10,000 per victim, it says, with the highest annual illegal profits observed in Europe and Central Asia, primarily driven by forced commercial sexual exploitation, followed by industries of agriculture and domestic work.
In a new BBC Africa Eye documentary, the exploitation of Malawian women lured to Oman for domestic work is exposed, revealing harrowing experiences and the tactics of trafficking agents. The documentary shows how a WhatsApp group was instrumental in reaching and coordinating support for the victims.
The UN Special Rapporteur on contemporary forms of slavery has expressed concern over Serbia’s failure to investigate alleged trafficking cases involving foreign workers, highlighting the country’s increasing reliance on imported labour amid negative demographic trends. Cases of exploitation and potential trafficking, particularly involving workers from Asia, have raised alarm bells, with recent reports implicating Chinese construction companies operating in Serbia.
Earlier this month, in a regional-first, Thailand’s Office of Attorney General convened a modern slavery conference, in partnership with ASEAN-ACT, International Justice Mission and A21. More than 90 participants gathered in Bangkok and online from government departments, the private sector, and NGOs to discuss the structural drivers of modern slavery in Thailand and explore ways in which to respond collectively, and a new ethical recruitment toolkit was launched, tailored specifically for Thai companies who recruit migrant workers already residing in Thailand.
According to this news article, Cambodia’s ongoing crackdowns in Sihanoukville reveal the city’s persistent involvement in the scam industry, despite efforts to eradicate Chinese crime gangs profiting from cyber fraud. Recent raids, in which 450 individuals involved in illegal online gambling and scams were arrested, highlight the challenges in curbing these operations, with observers emphasizing the need to target key figures protecting the industry.
The United States has released new guidance for online platforms on supporting Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) under threat, acknowledging the vital role of digital technologies while addressing the risks of misuse and repression faced by HRDs worldwide.
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