Charities join forces to fight against slavery
SLAVERY may have been abolished more than 100 years ago, but across the world organised criminal gangs are still exploiting vulnerable people and forcing them to work for no pay.
The phenomenon of modern slavery causes untold pain and suffering, with over 40 million people living in slavery worldwide, and the UK government has made the issue one of its top priorities.
Now two Manchester-based charities have joined forces in the fight against it, pooling their resources to rescue victims and prevent those who are susceptible to being enslaved.
Retrak and Hope for Justice will work with potential victims in rural Africa and Cambodia, as well as in the UK, Norway and Canada, where many people end up in forced labour, being exploited and abused.
Ever since the working people of Manchester stood against cotton coming from slave plantations in 1862, the city has had a proud history of working to combat slavery, and charity bosses still hope to continue the fight.
Sir Peter Fahy, chief executive of Retrak and former GMP Chief Constable, said: “Organised criminals are exploiting those who are vulnerable due to weak family conditions and poverty with false promises of riches to be had in cities such as Manchester.
“People even in the poorest parts of Africa now have access to mobile phones and are obsessed with the Premier League. Young people see the wealth of Manchester clubs and their players, and think they could make their fortune in Europe.”
Ben Cooley, chief executive of Hope for Justice, says the problem of modern slavery ‘can only be tackled if charities and community-based organisations come together to support victims and confront the traffickers who are making fortunes out of human misery.’
“Manchester has already given such a strong lead with businesses such as the Co-op showing huge commitment, and churches, local community organisations and faith groups working to raise awareness,” he said.
“Greater Manchester Police has achieved a number of significant prosecutions, but more than that its officers volunteer to work on Retrak projects in Africa and train local officers there.
“This partnership will create a leading UK charity fighting modern slavery and further strengthen Manchester’s historic and current commitment to eradicate slavery.”