Kentish Gazette Canterbury & District
Risking life and limb to chase false promises
As a service on Saturday remembered the lives of 58 immigrants found dead in a lorry container in Dover, and following a similar tragedy which claimed the lives of 38 Chinese nationals in Essex last year, Ed Mcconnell examines the harsh reality of what aw
Victims of human trafficking are arriving in the UK every day many through Kent - with dreams of a better life.
Most will face treacherous and dangerous journeys they may not survive as they chase freedom in a foreign land. But the reality of what awaits them is rarely what was promised. Justine Currell is the executive director of Unseen UK, a charity helping the victims of modern slavery. She says for many, dreams of finding fortune on our shores turn into living nightmares of exploitation and abuse.
“Most of the people we speak to do think they are coming for a better life but there are some cases of people being encouraged or even forced to take the trip,” she said.
“Many people look at what happened at Essex and Dover and think they would never put themselves in that situation, but if you don’t have anything at home you are going to take your chances.” Huge amounts of money are paid by those willing to risk everything to climb into a metal box – one man paid £17,000 for his trip, 24 times his annual salary in China. “They are told they will have a better life, make more money, have more opportunities and may even be able to support others back home,” Ms Currell said.
“In some instances families are selling their homes to give their children or themselves a better life.”
The ‘lucky’ ones are released upon arrival but embark on an illegal life devoid of healthcare or rights.
They must take cash-in-hand from unscrupulous employers and risk being caught and deported at every turn.
Others are sold on and set to work in agriculture, construction or the sex trade. “They will put up with this for many days, weeks, months and even years because they feel there is no way out and they are told by the exploiters that is the case,” Mrs Currell said.
“Often the gangs will give them accommodation and transport and then take what they earn as payment. “They can’t go to the police or seek support because they are scared of what will happen to them.
“Those who speak to us have been told if they speak to the