Slavery is happening now, here in the UK
In nail bars and car washes, take-aways and hotels, on construction sites and in domestic service. Estimates of 13,000 UK victims of modern slavery are probably an underestimate. Even more disturbingly, it is thought that at least 1,000 of these victims are children.
Last year, the Prime Minister called modern slavery ‘a barbaric evil’ and ‘the great human rights issue of our time’.
Last month, the UK’s National Crime Agency reported that modern slavery ‘is far more prevalent than previously thought’. The threat is ‘continuing to expand’. ‘The more that we look’ the NCA said ‘the more we find the evidence of the widespread abuse of the vulnerable’.
René Cassin is ready to act … but we need your help
Slavery goes to the heart of the Jewish experience. As the Jewish voice for human rights, René Cassin is, as the UK’s Anti-Slavery Commissioner recently said, ‘in a unique position to bring change where change is needed most’.
But we can’t do that without your help. We’re planning an 18-month campaign to highlight the scourge of modern slavery and to help ensure its victims get the support they need to rebuild their lives. You can help us make those plans a reality.
Two obstacles prevent us as a society from confronting this horrendous crime and helping its victims. Our new strategy tackles these hurdles head on.
- Firstly, slavery is unseen and unacknowledged. In response, René Cassin will launch a major educational programme aimed at schools, youth movements, synagogues and the wider Jewish community. We aim to echo anti-slavery campaigner William Wilberforce’s powerful challenge to Parliament in 1789: ‘You may choose to look the other way but you can never say again that you did not know’
- Secondly, the current level of support for slavery victims is completely inadequate – they are given just 45 days’ support before being left to fend for themselves. As a result, many are forced back through a revolving door to abuse. René Cassin will make the case for better support for survivors of slavery – through the provision of the essential practical help they need to put their lives back on track.
Please don’t look the other way – support René Cassin’s work to combat modern slavery
A crime most of us thought ended more than 200 years ago is not only rife in the UK today, but appears to be getting worse.
But, with your help, we are ready to play our part in consigning slavery to history once more. You can donate now through our website at renecassin.org/donate
Please get in touch if you have any questions about our new anti-slavery strategy or any other aspect of René Cassin’s work. Thank you.
Mia Hasenson-Gross
Director
mia.hasenson-gross@renecassin.org or 020 3621 5465
P.S. You can help René Cassin highlight this hidden crime by making a donation to our modern slavery campaign today. But you can do more. If you are worried that someone may be a victim of slavery or human trafficking, contact the Modern Slavery Helpline or on 08000 121 700. They will give you expert advice on spotting the tell-tale signs and, if necessary, help you report your concerns.
René Cassin is a registered charity, number 1117472
