200 years ago William Wilberforce realised the harrowing fact that the slave trade was the backbone of the British economy and a growing industry.  A man of strong convictions and faith, Wilberforce led a mass movement of slaves, anti-slavery campaigners and ordinary members of the public in a successful campaign to abolish the trans-Atlantic slave trade which passed into law in 1807.  

  

200 years on there are now more slaves than there were when Wilberforce started his campaign.  Human trafficking is the third most profitable source of income for organised crime in the world (after the arms trade and illegal drugs), generating over 7 billion dollars every year (UN office on drugs and crime). Each year “600,000 to 800,000 men women and children are trafficked across international borders. Approximately 80% are women and girls, up to 50 % are minors.” (US Department of State Trafficking in Persons Report 2005)   

These young women and children are trafficked into horrible situations including prostitution, begging, forced labour, forced military or domestic service. Others are coerced to give up thier children for illegal adoption and forced marriage. 

STOP THE TRAFFIK is a recent campaign, using the anniversary of the Abolition of Slavery Act as a catalyst for an initiative, whose goal is for freedom for every person in the world caught in trafficking, with a particular focus on children and young people.  Freedom is a fundamental human right and we must be put pressure on the UN and our government to stop human trafficking.

 

*Sign a freedom declaration, urging the UN and our government to take stronger action against people trafficking, prosecute the perpetrators and protect the victims. It will take you about 30 seconds to sign up.