According to government data, more than 250 potential victims of modern slavery may have been deprived of support in the past year.
The figures were revealed in response to Freedom of Information Act requests submitted by nonprofit group After Exploitation.
They showed that the flagship device to fight modern slavery – the National Referral Mechanism – reconsidered hundreds of decisions in 2020, recognizing a large number of re-examined cases as possible or confirmed victims.
The Labor Party called the figures “shameful”, with shadow Home Secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds saying: “The Conservative government has pledged to do more to help victims of human trafficking – some of the most vulnerable people on the planet – but this data shows them the broken system is completely failing.
“This is yet another example of (Home Secretary) Priti Patel promising to do something – and not follow through.
“In fact, upcoming legislation is expected to worsen the situation for victims of human trafficking, which may include horrific examples of sexual exploitation.”
Data showed that up to 152 people were recognized as potential victims of trafficking after the government’s decision on their status was reconsidered.
Up to 103 other people were considered victims of modern slavery after the government’s decision was challenged.
Although the numbers represent only a small proportion of the 14,062 decisions made in 2020, After Exploitation said the delays in obtaining support for people were “life threatening”.
The government has come under fire for plans to make it harder for people to seek asylum in the UK who have entered the country illegally, which charities warn many victims of trafficking have done by default .
Victims of trafficking are referred to the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) by a “first responder” such as a police officer, border force officer, and staff from charities such as the Salvation Army.
They should be recognized as having …
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Source: news.sky.com
This notice was published: 2021-07-03 00:04:00
