Standing against Modern Slavery and human trafficking
07.10.24 - Merseyside
Merseyside’s Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner will join hundreds of local people for this year’s Walk for Freedom, celebrating 10 years of raising awareness of Modern Slavery and human trafficking.
On a day of global action, thousands of people will hit the streets across hundreds of cities around the globe, all with one common goal; to raise awareness of Modern Slavery and how to put a stop to it.
Liverpool has regularly taken part, along with other UK cities, in taking a stand against social injustice, calling for freedom for individuals trapped in modern slavery, speaking out for those whose voices have been silenced through fear and manipulation, hidden victims whose identity, dignity and assets have been stolen, their lives controlled by criminal gangs.
This year’s A21 Walk For Freedom Liverpool will take place on Saturday 19th October 2024, starting at the International Slavery Museum, Royal Albert Docks, before embarking on a 2-mile route through Liverpool City Centre’s busy shopping district and waterfront. Participants walk in single file, carrying placards with information about what slavery looks like today.
It is believed that there are more people enslaved today than during the Transatlantic Slave Trade with an estimated 50 million people globally living as slaves today.
In the UK alone, there are estimated to be more than 100,000 victims silently hidden in everyday places like car washes, brothels, nail bars and restaurants.
Forms of modern slavery include forced labour, forced marriage, sexual exploitation and domestic servitude. Over half of the victims (53%) are women and children.
There is also a growing use of technology by criminal gangs, with new forms of slavery emerging including forced scamming, fake jobs posted on social media and targeting of children online.
In the UK, technology has enabled criminals to exploit vulnerable people through ‘County Lines.’ Gangs and organised criminal networks export illegal drugs around the UK, using dedicated mobile phone lines. They often recruit children and vulnerable adults to move and store drugs and money on their behalf, using tactics like coercion, intimidation and violence.
The A21 Walk For Freedom Liverpool over the years has helped to bring together individuals and organisations committed to ending modern slavery across the city, such as Hope For Justice, Stop The Traffick, Together Liverpool and the Social Justice Team at Liverpool Cathedral.
Merseyside’s Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, Jeanie Bell said: “Modern Slavery is very much still a hidden crime, making it harder to rescue victims and bring those who choose to exploit vulnerable people to justice.
“Sadly, Merseyside is no exception, which is why it is so important we try and ensure people across our region know how to spot the signs of exploitation so we can stop this horrific crime from happening.
“Merseyside Police is committed to tackling this serious issue, but they cannot do this alone. Raising awareness is the first step to preventing it from happening and protecting victims. We need local people who are living and working in our communities, day in day out, to be able to recognise what could be signs of Modern Slavery and report any concerns they may have. By doing so, they could save a vulnerable person from a life time of exploitation and enslavement.”
Dr Esther Cole, a member of the Hope For Justice - Liverpool & Wirral Abolition Group, this year’s event organisers, says: “We’re proud to support the A21 Walk For Freedom Liverpool. Raising awareness and educating people about modern slavery might help someone avoid becoming a victim.
"As consumers, we can ask companies to check their supply chains, to fight against human rights abuses and stop the exploitation of workers in the production of goods and services.
"We can encourage each other to be vigilant and spot the signs of Modern Slavery. If there’s something that doesn’t add up and you think someone might be a victim of Modern Slavery, then you can report it to the Modern Slavery Helpline.”
If you would like to take part in this year’s Liverpool Walk For Freedom, please register online.
Information about A21 Liverpool Walk For Freedom:
Participants can arrive from 10 am at the International Slavery Museum, Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool. The walk officially starts at 11 am and lasts for around 90 minutes. Please wear all black. Signs and banners will be provided. Wheelchairs, pushchairs and prams are welcome. There are also non-walking volunteer roles available.
If you have any questions, please contact the event organisers: