This Sunday ,18 October 2020 is Anti-Slavery Day and it provides an important opportunity for us to remember the many victims of modern slavery and join in the fight against it.
The Church of England’s 'Clewer Initiative' encourages us that everyone has a role to play in taking action against modern slavery and has some useful resources available.
Far from being a thing of the past, slavery exists in communities across the UK and is often hidden in plain sight. In fact, despite being more than 200 years since the abolition of the slave trade, there are still an estimated 40.3 million men, women and children trapped in modern slavery worldwide, and up to 136,000 potential victims in the UK alone.
People become victims of modern slavery when they are forced to do something against their will in order to gain money, food or shelter. They become trapped in situations where they continue to be exploited and are often powerless to escape. They may be homeless people, or migrants whose documents have been taken away. They may be children who have become involved in drug running.
The Initiative suggests some practical things you can do to join the fight against modern slavery:
- Become a champion start talking to family, friends and colleagues about modern slavery and take the lead in raising awareness of national campaigns like Anti Slavery Day.
- Start a poster campaign download some Clewer posters to display.
- Start a book club read Louise Hulland’s recently published book ‘Stolen Lives’
- Download an App with the Safe Car Wash or Farm Work Welfare app always at hand you will be able to report any suspicious signs if you see them.
- Discover your slavery footprint use this is an innovative tool from slaveryfootprint.org which helps you understand more about your slavery footprint.
- Spread the word. use the hashtag #we see you.
To find all the resources please visit the Clewer website: www.theclewerinitiative.org. If we all get involved we can make a difference.
Also on this day St Edmundsbury Cathedral is holding a service 'A day of prayer for healing'. There will be a particular focus at the Cathedral 11.00am Eucharist, when Bishop Martin will preach and the service will include prayers for those oppressed by modern slavery. Cathedral services are livestreamed via the Cathedral’s Facebook page here.
Do listen in to Radio Suffolk this Sunday as the Revd Carol Mansell will be featured outlining the role of the Modern Slavery Working Group set up in 2019, what it's achieved over the past year as well as advice on what to look for and what to do.
For more information
Modern Day slavery | weblink