UK houses 122,000 modern slavery victims

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New analysis reports that the number of individuals thought to be living in modern slavery in the United Kingdom has decreased in recent years, but “a more hostile and discriminatory environment towards migration” has made it more difficult for victims to obtain help, according to human rights organization Walk Free.

According to the organization, there are around 122,000 persons living as contemporary slaves in the United Kingdom, a decrease from 136,000 in 2018. The UK ranks 145 out of 160 countries in the most recent global slavery index.

Last month, a number of Ukrainians came forward in the UK and stated they were victims of modern slavery. Ukrainians constitute the largest proportion of foreign workers in the UK, with 19,920 seasonal working visas given to Ukrainians in 2021 out of a total of 29,631 granted, making for two-thirds of the figure.

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According to the data, modern slavery is most prevalent in nations with numerous conflicts, nations with forced labor, and improper governance. North Korea is ranked first, followed by Eritrea, Mauritania, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey.

Switzerland, Norway, Germany, and Ireland are at the bottom of the list and hold the lowest frequency of modern slavery.

The UK is anticipated to import 26.1 billion US dollars (£21 billion) in items in danger of being created using forced labor. Garments, electronics, fish, textiles, and lumber are the top five most valued items imported by the UK that are in danger of being produced under the circumstances of modern slavery.

According to Walk Free, the UK has the greatest government response to modern slavery in the area and worldwide, which “reflects some strong efforts to address risk factors, establish criminal justice mechanisms, and tackle forced labor in supply chains.”

However, it noted that the country still has "Significant gaps" as well as the fact that "recent and proposed changes to UK immigration policy have increased vulnerability”.

According to former Prime Minister Theresa May, "Fifty million people are trapped in forced labor, sex trafficking, and child exploitation. It is a figure that should shame us all."

Walk Free added that “increasing curtailment of clear and accessible pathways to safe and legal migration poses a serious threat to the safety of vulnerable people and exposes them to the risk of modern slavery”.