Kevin Hyland, the UK’s anti-slavery commissioner has written a letter to Theresa May highlighting that delayed efforts to provide asylum to unaccompanied child refugees in Calais exposes these children to the risk of modern slavery and exploitation. The letter comes shortly after Theresa May pledged millions of pounds to tackle the issue of modern day slavery. Kevin Hyland wrote that:
“The prime minister has described modern slavery as the great human rights issue of our time,” he added that “A more proactive and urgent response is needed to ensure criminal networks are disrupted and vulnerable migrants, in particular unaccompanied children, are better protected.”
Mia Hasenson-Gross, Director of René Cassin added:
“Theresa May’s work and commitment to ending modern day slavery is moral and laudable, but as Kevin Hyland’s statement makes clear we cannot continue to ignore the connection between trafficking and the failure to properly and quickly support individuals who have a legal right to be in this country”