reporter Autumn 2019 Established in 1825 180 years of working against How 180 years of successful campaigning drives us to bring freedom to people today. reporter reporter autumn 2019 autumn 2019 2 comment 3

180 years of delivering freedom

 Over 200 years ago the world set down that nobody should profit from the enslavement of other

Jasmine O’Connor OBE human beings. It took the courage of a small group of Chief Executive remarkable people to challenge the way global business was conducted and they succeeded in abolishing the Transatlantic Slave Trade. But these abolitionists knew their work was not yet done. They knew that there are many ways people find to control and exploit others. In 1839 – 180 years ago – they founded the British and Foreign Anti-Slavery Society, today Anti-Slavery International. And, together with our supporters, we’ve been

We work to deliver freedom campaigning against slavery ever since. Cover photo: 180 years of working from slavery to everyone, Together, we have had an enormous against slavery inspires us to look everywhere, always. into a slavery-free future. Photo: Anti-Slavery amount of success over the years. We have Photo: Hadynyah International “We still have 40 million managed to end some forms of slavery reasons to keep on working: completely. Against other forms we’ve made major progress, even if practices The Reporter magazine was Freedom is a fundamental human right, 40 million adults and children haven’t yet been completely eradicated. established in 1825 and has still trapped, controlled and been continuously published everywhere, always. Today, we have 40 million reasons to since 1840. cruelly exploited. ” keep on working: 40 million adults and Series VIII, Vol 25, Issue 1. Anti-Slavery International works to end all forms of children still trapped, controlled and Editor: Jakub Sobik slavery. Slavery affects some of the most vulnerable cruelly exploited. tel: +44 (0)20 7501 8934 people in the world, and out of the 40 million people email: [email protected] With 180 years of campaigning experience, we are confident that we can finish what Layout: Berie Stott, www.dot-ink.com in slavery today, 10 million are children. we started and deliver freedom to all of them. We are developing a new strategy to Anti-Slavery International We work with partners across the globe to deliver Thomas Clarkson House take on the challenges we currently face. The Stableyard freedom to people trapped in slavery. Together, we: Broomgrove Road We can’t achieve this without you. Only by working together have we been able to SW9 9TL  support people to leave slavery and build their lives United Kingdom provide freedom from slavery to so many people so far, and will be able to provide in freedom tel: +44 (0)20 7501 8920 for many more in the future. fax: +44 (0)20 7738 4110  help change laws and policies to protect people email: [email protected] I hope to see you at our Member and Supporter Conference on 14th November, website: www.antislavery.org from being exploited  change public attitudes to exploitative practices where we can update you on the progress we’ve made in tackling slavery around UK Registered Charity 1049160 the world and thank you for your support in person. You can find all the details on Company limited by guarantee 3079904  campaign for businesses to make sure people are Registered in England and Wales page 26. not exploited in their supply chains. Thank you for helping to deliver freedom for those who don’t have it. Anti-Slavery International is the world’s oldest abolition movement, founded in 1839 by the original abolitionists. reporter reporter autumn 2019 autumn 2019 4 news 5

Hadijatou Mani was born into slavery. Niger: 10 years’ wait Now she lives in freedom. Photo: Anti-Slavery International for justice as ‘fifth wife’ slavery practice outlawed

 A decade-long legal battle of The case marks the end of a long legal Hadijatou Mani, a woman forced into battle that Anti-Slavery with its partner as a ‘fifth wife’, ended with in Niger, Timidria, started over a Niger historically outlawing the practice. decade ago. The ‘fifth wife’ is a slavery custom when girls and women are sold to wealthy From ‘fifth wife’ to men to become their ‘unofficial’ fifth anti-slavery hero wives, in addition to the four wives Hadijatou Mani was born into slavery publicly against her former master, permitted by . They are treated as “Hadijatou Mani put her life and then sold as a ‘fifth wife’. She was an unprecedented move in a country domestic and sexual slaves. never paid for her work and lived in a where people of slave descent had no at risk to live the life of her Ms Mani, who as a young girl was sold state of complete submission to her standing in the society. choice and inspired many for around £200 as a ‘fifth wife’ to an master, suffering regular beatings and In a pioneering ruling in October women to follow in her older man, saw that “marriage” ruled sexual violence. 2008, she won the case and damages, footsteps. She is a true unlawful and the ‘fifth wife’ tradition Following her escape with the help of prompting the Government to take anti-slavery hero”. outlawed altogether by the Niger Court Timidria, she married a man she had slavery more seriously. She was Emmanuelle Tremeau, Anti-Slavery International of Appeals. freely chosen, whereupon her former recognised for her bravery by the then master took her to court accusing her US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, of bigamy. and First Lady, Michelle Obama, with the judicial body in Niger, applies to all the Invoking customary law, the local International Women of Courage Award lower courts in the country. in Washington. Nigerien court ruled in favour of her Together with our partners, we will work former master, condemning Ms Mani to She has been living freely since, but to ensure the full implementation of this a brief spell in jail. This prompted her, shockingly, the courts did not annul the ruling. The fight is far from over, but we supported by Anti-Slavery and partners bigamy case against her. Now, after a remain inspired by Ms Mani’s bravery INTERIGHTS and Timidria, to take her decade-long struggle for a new ruling, and resolve to continue working to complaint to the international court of Ms Mani finally saw justice: her freely deliver freedom to all people in Niger. Economic Community of West African chosen marriage was ruled not to be a States (ECOWAS). case of bigamy, and the entire practice of ‘fifth wife’ was ruled unlawful. Provide freedom and justice for The case reverberated across Niger, others like Hadijatou: making it the first time ever when This victory gives hope to other women www.antislavery.org/donate Hadijatou Mani, Niger’s anti-slavery hero. slavery was discussed on public still enslaved as ‘fifth wives’. The ruling or see back page. Photo: Anti-Slavery International radio. Ms Mani bravely testified of the Court of Appeals, the highest reporter reporter autumn 2019 autumn 2019 6 news newsnews 7

High Court reverses cuts to Campaign news: victim support Anti-Slavery archive moves Anti-Slavery and partners have also to a world leading museum Protect, Not Neglect supported another crucial case, in which  This year saw the transfer of the High Court reversed the Home the unique Anti-Slavery archive Office’s decision to cut weekly financial and library to the world-leading  Anti-Slavery continues to campaign regardless of their individual situation. support for asylum seeking victims of International Slavery Museum for the right protection for survivors of The challenge was brought to the trafficking by over 40%. in Liverpool. slavery in the UK so that they can stay court by two slavery survivors who The survivors, who were prohibited from The collection covers the archive safe, recover and rebuild their lives. had struggled to rebuild their lives working, argued that the cuts left them from 1700s onwards, as well as UK survivors win the right to after their trafficking experiences. The unable to afford to meet their basic needs, manuscripts dating back to the such as healthy food or travelling long term support Home Office recognised both as victims, origins of the international abolition however, it also informed them that to support groups or healthcare movement, including the first Following a successful legal challenge, their specialist support would end only appointments. This affected their issue of the Anti-Slavery Reporter supported by Anti-Slavery, the UK 45 days later. recovery and made them vulnerable magazine from 1825. This archive Government has conceded that to becoming trapped and exploited complements other historical victims of trafficking should receive Together with their legal representative, again, as they were pushed into finding materials transferred earlier to the support according to their individual the survivors successfully argued that alternative ways of making a living. Bodleian Library in Oxford. the state support shouldn’t end so circumstances. This is a major move The High Court ordered the Home Office Anti-Slavery CEO Jasmine O’Connor soon, putting at risk their safety and away from a system where support to repay the difference in income to all said: “There is no more appropriate recovery and making them vulnerable to would only be provided for 45 days victims affected by the cuts. place than the International Slavery after an official recognition as victims, being exploited again. Museum for the UK’s most important Your voice abolition archive to be housed. It Survivors of slavery in the UK do not feel safe In April, we delivered nearly 12,000 of will now be preserved in the manner enough to be able to show their faces. We joined it requires and made publicly them to deliver the petition asking the Government your petition signatures to Number 10 to protect, not neglect, the victims. and the Home Office, asking the accessible once the cataloguing and Photo: Anti-Slavery International. Government to back the Victim Support curation process is complete.” Bill to protect, not neglect, survivors Read an article from International Slavery Museum’s director Richard Benjamin on page 16 and find more of slavery. At the time of writing the details about it on www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/ism. Government hasn’t committed to Any questions regarding the Anti-Slavery archive, supporting the Bill. We will continue to please contact Ryna Sherazi on [email protected] work to secure the right protections or 0207 737 9336. for the survivors in the next Parliamentary session after a likely election. The collection of the historical issues of the Anti-Slavery Reporter Join the movement to end slavery has been transferred to for just £5 a month: Liverpool, including the first issue from 1825. www.antislavery.org/membership Pictured: issue from or see back page. January 1939. The difference we’ve made in180 years 8 autumn 2019 reporter Image: Anti-Slavery International In ‘apprentices’, untiltheywere finallyemancipatedon 1 August 1838. 1833 formally abolished it,slaves were indentured totheirformerowners as itself continuedforanother 30years. Although theSlavery Abolition Act in when itbecameillegalforBritish shipstocarryslaves. However, slavery opinion againstslavery. The Trans- wasabolishedin1807, called theBrookes, shocked peopleandcontributedtoaseachangeinpublic those that remain trapped inslavery today. have made over the years to deliver freedom to all Today, we take inspiration from thedifference we of people affected by various forms of slavery. For 180 years we have delivered freedom to millions 1789

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1926-today. Throughout the years, Anti-Slavery has influenced At the end of the s, an numerous international laws on 1990 international outcry followed the slavery, from the 1926 League of exposure of child trafficking in the Nations Slavery Convention and 1956 cocoa industry in West Africa. UN Supplementary Convention on the Anti-Slavery has campaigned on the Abolition of Slavery, to international issue ever since, forcing chocolate specific conventions on , manufacturers to take action, including and trafficking. These an increasing number moving to the international laws brought protections Fairtrade certification system. for people affected by slavery and oblige national governments to address Photo: Nile Sprague the different forms of slavery that occur in their countries. Throughout the decades, Anti-Slavery has lobbied individual countries to legally abolish slavery. The last country to criminalise slavery was in 2007. Photo: Bharat Patel

In 1999, Anti-Slavery was one of the organisers of the Global March against Child Labour, which led to the adoption of a UN Convention on the Worst Forms of Child Labour in 1999 (ILO No. 182), protecting children from harmful work. Photo: Bharat Patel reporter reporter autumn 2019 autumn 2019 12 2005 2008 2011 2013 13 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

In 2005, Anti-Slavery organised a major campaign, Anti-Slavery was one of the first which forced the United organisations to tackle domestic Arab Emirates to recognise slavery, particularly of children. the problem of trafficking of Our Home Alone campaign led children from South East Asia to the International Labour to be used as camel jockeys. Organization adopting the The countries subsequently Domestic Work Convention in passed laws banning the 2011, providing legal rights practice and assisted in to domestic workers across returning children to their the world. Our success was countries of origin. Qatar and symbolised by our beneficiary Kuwait passed similar laws. Angel Benedicto, a former child Today, thanks to this pressure, domestic worker in Tanzania, robots are commonly used as who was recognised by the jockeys instead of humans. Queen for advocating for the Photo: JL Winters/Anti-Slavery International rights of vulnerable children in domestic work. Photo: Queen’s Young Leader Foundation

Niger in West Africa is one of the last countries where human beings are still born as slaves. In 2008, Anti-Slavery 2013 Anti-Slavery was one of International supported a former slave, the first to investigate the dire Hadijatou Mani (pictured), in taking a consequences of the sponsorship legal case to the Economic Community Of ‘kafalah’ system in the Middle West African States (ECOWAS) Community East, which deprives hundreds Court of Justice against her government of thousands of migrant for failing to protect her from slavery. workers from South Asia of legal Hadijatou won, and the Niger Government protection from abuse. This was held to account and spurred to led to an investigation into the action against slavery. Anti-Slavery with abuses in Qatar in the run up to its partner Timidria then supported a the 2022 FIFA World Cup by the decade-long legal battle that explicitly Guardian newspaper, sparking an outlawed a traditional sexual slavery international campaign to end practice known as ‘fifth wife’, where the abuses and forcing Qatar to women are treated as ‘slave’ wives. introduce reforms. Photo: Anti-Slavery International Photo: Pete Pattisson reporter reporter autumn 2019 autumn 2019 14 2015 2019 2019 15 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021

2015 During the 2000s, Anti-Slavery Years of campaigning supported , a Sudanese in the UK resulted in girl who was abducted by soldiers the passing of the from her village and trafficked to historic UK Modern London to work in a house of a Slavery Act. The Act Sudanese diplomat in the UK. After has put slavery firmly her escape she filed for asylum, but on the agenda of was initially denied by the Home mainstream debate Office, before being overturned and galvanised public thanks to a public campaign. Mende support behind the went on to write her autobiography, issue. We continue Slave: My True Story, later televised to campaign for the by Channel Four Film. Anti-Slavery has improvement of the campaigned to prevent diplomats in support provided to the UK, who are accused of holding the survivors under someone in slavery, from hiding the Act. behind diplomatic immunity. The UK Photo: Anti-Slavery Supreme Court agreed with us with a International ruling in 2019. Photo: , www.damienlewis.com

Today We are working to help One of the main features adults and children to of the campaign to abolish build futures of freedom slavery in British colonies was and create a movement boycotting slave-produced of people that demands sugar. Today, we continue freedom for everyone, to encourage companies to everywhere, always. act on issues ranging from Photo: woraput via iStock forced-labour tainting cotton in Central Asia, to enslaving vulnerable girls in India’s garment industry, to child- trafficking in West Africa. We use a ‘critical friend’ approach to support corporates’ efforts to address risks of slavery in their global supply chains. Photo: Simon Buxton/ Anti-Slavery International reporter reporter autumn 2019 autumn 2019 16 feature 17

The Museum not only tells the untold through over 180 years’ worth of Constructing pasts, stories of enslaved people in historical archives to prepare it for the public and slavery, but also engages with for researchers to be able to access it

Dr Richard P Benjamin contemporary human rights issues, and learn lessons about slavery then contesting futures: Head of International addressing ignorance, challenging and now. Slavery Museum intolerance, and building partnerships Museums play a major role in enhancing The International with communities and organisations social cohesion and promoting social that share our vision. justice. As ISM develops, so do The Museum currently has three opportunities to tackle the legacies of Slavery Museum galleries. Life in West Africa explores the transatlantic slavery and contemporary Head of International Slavery Museum, Dr Richard P Benjamin, story of Africa and its rich history and forms of exploitation. culture before the arrival of Europeans; Find out more about the International Slavery on Liverpool’s slavery legacy. Museum, including how to visit (entry is free) on Enslavement and the www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/ism. Read more about  When we think of Britain’s This did not mean that Liverpool didn’t reveals the brutality and trauma transferring ASI library to Liverpool on page 7. involvement in slavery, we often prefer have an active abolition movement suffered by enslaved Africans on the to focus on the heroes of the abolition – figures like William Roscoe (lawyer, voyage across the Atlantic, plantation movement. But our history has its poet, botanist) stand out in the city’s life and resistance. Legacy details The iconic Dr Martin Luther King, Jr. building on darker sides. history. Several Liverpudlians were contemporary forms of enslavement, the Royal Albert Dock in Liverpool will be a front entrance to the Museum after the redevelopment. By the 1780s, Liverpool was the involved with the Society for the racism, hate crime, discrimination and European capital of the transatlantic Abolition of the Slave Trade, but by the achievements of the slave trade. Vast profits from the trade and large Liverpool was a powerhouse African Diaspora. transformed Liverpool into one of for the pro-slavery lobby. The Campaign Zone hosts exhibitions Britain’s most important and wealthy Although it was important to draw highlighting contemporary campaigns, cities. Other European ports were attention to those in Liverpool who including Anti-Slavery International’s heavily involved too, but more than were abolitionists, the International Home Alone: End Domestic Slavery 4,000 slaver ships left Liverpool, which Slavery Museum (ISM) was conscious campaign to protect the rights of carried perhaps 1.5 million enslaved not to suggest that the abolition domestic workers in 2010. Others Africans into slavery. movement was solely a European battle. include a campaign highlighting labour Enslaved Africans themselves played rights abuses in Uzbekistan with the a significant part, through revolts on Environmental Justice Foundation in board ship, uprisings in the Americas, 2011 and a partnership with the Dalit and lobbying by figures such as Freedom Network on Broken lives: . Slavery in Modern India campaign Liverpool was an ideal place for the in 2015. International Slavery Museum to An example of our commitment open on 23 August 2007 during the to bridge the past and present is Bicentenary of an Act for the Abolition our collaboration with Anti-Slavery Set of shackles used in 18th century, displayed in of the Slave Trade. It is the only International, which recently transferred the International Slavery Museum in Liverpool. national museum of its kind and has its archive and library over to the Photo: Rept0n1x via Wikimedia Commons welcomed over 4 million visitors. Museum. We are currently working reporter reporter autumn 2019 autumn 2019 18 feature 19 Looking into

Jasmine O’Connor OBE the future Chief Executive We are developing a new organisational strategy. Anti-Slavery CEO, Jasmine O’Connor, takes us through some of the key issues affecting the anti-slavery movement today. Migration and climate change Global supply chains With progressing globalisation and Adults and children are trapped and climate change, more and more people exploited in the system working to leave their native homes to seek a sell products across the world. We as better future for themselves and their consumers have a right to be assured families. They face big challenges. At that the products we buy are not their destination, they are often treated tainted by slavery, and businesses are as second class citizens; many can’t responsible for ensuring that people We are looking towards a slavery free future. work legally or have no right to legally are not exploited in their supply chains. Photo: LucidSurf leave their employers, even in abusive We are encouraged by many companies situations. Many migrants don’t speak already taking the initiative to do this the language and have no one to turn to and we work with many of them to Build futures of freedom Build the anti-slavery movement for support. All this makes them perfect support their anti-slavery efforts. We 10 million children are thought to be in We believe that the most crucial targets for traffickers. We need to change will continue to campaign to introduce slavery today. We must invest in making element of our quest to end slavery the way countries treat migrants to make and strengthen laws that would legally sure that children don’t fall victim to worldwide is building a widespread them less vulnerable to slavery. oblige businesses to ensure that the traffickers and don’t get trapped in a movement of people, organisations, rights of the workers are protected. cycle of poverty and exploitation as they businesses and institutions that would Politics of populism become adults. Anti-Slavery is working work together towards this common Slavery is built on racism and prejudice Power to survivors to build their confidence and capacity goal. We want everyone to join this that undermine people’s humanity When people are trapped in slavery, to live their lives in freedom and movement and reinforce a message through discrimination based on their their power is taken away from them. contribute to the anti-slavery movement that today, in the 21st century, slavery race, immigration status, religion, Anti-Slavery has been working to reverse to bring that freedom to others. is unacceptable in any form. We want caste, age or gender. Coupled with that. When people with lived experience this movement to exert pressure on key people and organisations who have poverty and laws that don’t protect of slavery take the centre stage and We welcome hearing from the power to end exploitation of adults those discriminated against, it makes lead the movement against slavery, we supporters about your views on and children. the perfect conditions for exploiters build solutions that are fully informed this article and how you’re to take advantage of. We must call by their voices. We must work together helping to further the anti-slavery out every form of discrimination and to enable the survivors of slavery to movement where you live. You can join the movement to help work together to build communities reclaim the power they lost as a result Please email your thoughts to end slavery for just £5 per month at and nations that treat all humans with of their enslavement and ensure that [email protected]. www.antislavery.org/membership. dignity and respect. their voices influence anti-slavery policies. reporter reporter autumn 2019 autumn 2019 20 feature 21 Difficult path

Sarah Mathewson to freedom Africa Programme Manager Africa Programme Manager, Sarah Mathewson, on the challenging yet successful decade of working against descent-based slavery in West Africa.

“I used to collect wood and Tatinatt was in slavery from birth. We have supported women of slave descent fetch water for my masters Now she has built in Niger to build their lives in freedom. daily, with no compensation her life in freedom. Photo: Anti-Slavery International Photo: Anti-Slavery or respite. I was never treated International like a human being, but to the social, economic and political Key successes: instead I was treated like a structures that perpetuate slavery, donkey, beaten to make it and requires extensive support for  Anti-Slavery and its partners work harder.” the individuals affected. established community services and resources for people of slave People of slave descent, even after descent in nine villages in Niger and leaving slavery, still face pervasive  Tatinatt, who said the above words, won landmark cases in national and provided education to their children, discrimination. Illiterate and without was born into slavery. She was international courts. providing them with a basis for real owned by masters who her family had identity documents, they can’t send Tatinatt was one of the people we freedom. The communities’ success belonged to for generations. Under the their children to public schools or helped to escape and rebuild her life. has been so remarkable that the total control of her master, she was access services, and struggle to She settled into a village of other Government followed our model treated like his property and suffered find decent work and housing. True families of slave descent who are and established schools and other constant abuse and exploitation. freedom doesn’t come easily. seeking to assert their freedom and services in a further 11 communities. This treatment is common in cases of educate their children, to break the Anti-Slavery  We helped shape Mauritania’s new descent-based slavery. cycle of slavery over the generations. “True freedom focuses much anti-slavery law and used it to This year, Anti-Slavery International, of its efforts She now says: “I never believed that doesn’t successfully prosecute slave owners alongside partner organisations in a woman, especially a slave woman, on building – the first successful prosecutions come easily.” Mauritania, Mali and Niger, marked 10 could make her own fortune. But now the self- for ’s history. years of projects to end descent-based I feel completely free – I am no longer sufficiency  We pursued legal cases in Niger, slavery in West Africa. a slave.” of slavery ensuring the criminalisation of the survivors, with amazing results. In We have come a long way since we This marks a real transformation. But as ‘fifth wife’ practice, where women started, helping thousands of people to we have learned from our work, simply Niger, alongside our partner Timidria, are treated as ‘slave’ wives. leave their masters and establish new, we have established nine community escaping slavery is only the beginning of  We led campaigns in Mali to independent lives. We have advocated a long and difficult process of learning schools for people of slave descent. In Mauritania, hundreds of women overcome taboos and ensure for the rights of people affected by to live in freedom. It can be enormously national dialogue on slavery. slavery, pushed through new laws and challenging without fundamental change have thrived after receiving training, reporter reporter autumn 2019 autumn 2019 22 feature 23 equipment and funds to run small laws. We have pioneered the first businesses like shops as part of our ever successful prosecutions of slave work with local partners SOS-Esclaves. owners in the country’s history. But we also focus on structural change In Niger, by winning a landmark case at through our advocacy, legal work and the ECOWAS Community Court of Justice, public campaigning. In Mauritania, we we put slavery on the regional agenda have had a major influence shaping and and forced the Niger government to Children supported by Anti-Slavery have had access ensuring the adoption of anti-slavery take action. In Mali, despite entrenched to education for the first time and thrived. Niger: setting communities Photo: Anti-Slavery International free from their masters Mauritania: from slavery survivors to entrepreneurs conflict, our awareness-raising and  Our community schools in Niger  For a person born into slavery it is incredibly challenging to leave their advocacy work has ensured that slavery that we founded with our local master and embrace freedom. So together with our local partners SOS-Esclaves, is no longer a taboo subject. partners, Timidria, have been a ground-breaking unequivocal we have been providing the foundations for people to build their freedom on. The political will and capacity of the Hundreds of adults and children of slave descent have received literacy training authorities to act on slavery remain success that set people truly free and practical training courses such as catering, sewing, veil dyeing and hairdressing. limited. The Mauritanian government from their masters. The transformative effect of this work has been striking. For example, 180 still denies the very existence of The six schools were the first to women have thrived after an Anti-Slavery project gave them training, equipment slavery practices in the country, despite provide education to children of slave and funds to run local co-operatives, which they developed into food shops and overwhelming evidence. In Niger, descent. They have been obtaining a clothing store. All shops are making a profit and have enabled the women to despite some encouraging progress by some of the highest pass rates in the Government, proper application of look into their futures with optimism. the country, low drop-out rates, and the law has yet to follow. In Mali, draft a high proportion of girls at school. legislation criminalising slavery has The schools have served as hubs Women who escaped slavery in a shop funded by been pending before the parliament for microloans provided by an Anti-Slavery’s project. years, and the civil war in the north of for new communities escaping Photo: Anti-Slavery International the country has left limited funds to slavery. Services such as micro- address slavery. finance schemes for members to Yet despite these limitations, start small businesses; confidence momentum has gathered in our building, advocacy training; and anti-slavery movement and we are infrastructure development, such as determined to make descent-based construction of wells, have helped slavery a thing of the past. the communities thrive. The communities have now been Read more about our work on decent-abased slavery in successful in persuading the West Africa over the last decade in a Government to officially take newly published report over the schools to ensure their Difficult path to freedom, available sustainability, and to open three on our website new schools for other communities www.antislavery.org/10-years-africa. of slave-descent. reporter reporter autumn 2019 autumn 2019 24 feature 25

rate of financial support provided to The UK Government’s response to ATMG: 10 years over 1,000 victims of trafficking, and by tackling modern slavery is critical and doing so making them more vulnerable its aim to be a world leader in this

Anna Sereni to be exploited again. We also helped regard, commendable. While the UK of advocating for Anti-Trafficking Monitoring to force the government to end the government’s progress against slavery Group Coordinator 45 day limit for providing support to in the last decade has been positive, victims of slavery survivors and oblige it to design a system we must continue to hold it to account. providing long term support tailored to The government must look beyond its the individual needs of each survivor. hostile, austerity-stricken policies, in in the UK We are proud of the ATMG’s successes, order to truly create a safe environment for victims to recover in. The Anti-Trafficking Monitoring Group Coordinator, but there are still some big challenges Looking ahead, the ATMG will support Anna Sereni, on what we learned from monitoring to be faced. slavery survivors to have the UK’s anti-slavery efforts for the last decade. The hostile environment means that people trafficked from abroad are their voices heard much treated as immigrants first, and victims louder to influence the  Ten years ago, the awareness of and the ATMG was key in identifying UK’s efforts to implement only second. It means that often, even modern slavery in the UK was very failures in the identification and a truly effective response the identified survivors are more likely limited and the response to it was in protection of victims, which led to to modern slavery. to be sent to detention, deported, or its infancy. In 2008, the UK ratified the its improvement. Council of Europe Convention on Action stuck in the asylum system, than to be The ATMG was instrumental in the against Trafficking in Human Beings, properly supported. Many are unable Real people, real lives report looks shaping of the UK Modern Slavery which obliged the UK Government to to work, instead, they are pushed back at successes of the ATMG in Act in 2015, including introducing implement anti-slavery policies. into poverty and put at risk of being the past decade and takes stock legal advocates for trafficked children, exploited again in their desperation to of the key challenges lying ahead. To monitor the UK’s implementation of measures to protect victims from live decent lives. It’s available at the Convention, leading anti-trafficking being themselves prosecuted and the www.antislavery.org/atmg-10-years. organisations in the UK formed a Austerity policies in the last decade introduction of an Independent Anti- have had a detrimental coalition, the Anti-Trafficking Monitoring Slavery Commissioner. Group (ATMG), which Anti-Slavery effect on support services International still leads today. for victims of slavery. The “The government must look depletion of legal aid has Over the last 10 years the ATMG’s work beyond its hostile, austerity- excluded survivors of slavery has led to significant improvements to stricken policies, in order to out of publicly funded legal the way most vulnerable people in the truly create a safe environment assistance. Cuts to social UK are identified and supported by for victims to recover in.” services and education the Government. hamper efforts to prevent The ratification of the Convention British children getting spearheaded the initiation of the More recently, the ATMG has successfully trapped in county lines drug National Referral Mechanism (NRM) – supported important court cases to trafficking gangs, while cuts to the UK’s primary support system for protect the rights of victims. A recent the police and judiciary have The ATMG coalition has been campaigning identified victims of slavery. Although in major achievement was the reversal lessened their capacity to for the rights of slavery victims in the UK. Photo: Anti-Slavery International itself positive, the NRM is far from ideal of the Home Office decision to cut the investigate trafficking cases. reporter reporter autumn 2019 autumn 2019 26 new work 27

ensure they understand their rights Anti-Slavery is teaming up with clothing retailer A special smartphone ASOS to protect garment workers from slavery. app is being developed and the risks involved in moving to Photo: Waldemar Brandt, Usplash to help protect migrant Mauritius, and have relevant information workers in Mauritius. should they face exploitative practices. ASOS and IndustriALL Global Union, only arm migrant will deliver workers’ rights training to workers with factories in Mauritius to ensure all ASOS relevant practical suppliers uphold good labour standards. information about their rights, but Changing global business crucially allow them to safely raise grievances. This will This project is an example of a proactive also help the company more accurately collaboration of NGOs, trade unions and address problems when they arise. corporate partners coming together to protect migrant workers in global supply The app will be complemented by the chains. establishment of a trade union-based support centre for migrant workers in There is a growing consensus Mauritius, delivered by IndustriALL, among many brands that it is their responsibility to protect workers in their Innovating against slavery the global union. supply chains, and that it is no longer We are harnessing technology to protect migrant workers in Mauritius acceptable to tolerate exploitative “It is no longer acceptable to in our new project with the internet retailer ASOS. practices in workplaces producing tolerate exploitative practises goods for global markets. Together with  Mauritius is an island in the Indian products in Mauritius. One of them is in workplaces producing goods ASOS, we are planning to reach outside Ocean most famously known leading online fashion retailer ASOS, for global markets.” of the project’s core group of partners as a tourist hotspot thanks to its which has partnered with us on an to share our learning with other brands, pristine beaches and crystal-clear innovative project to protect migrant suppliers and countries to ensure its blue water. But it is also a significant garment workers from being exploited. It is crucial that we address the issues long-term impact. manufacturing hub, home to a number making migrant workers vulnerable to We are encouraged to see that a of garment and food factories serving Smart solutions to protect slavery from the moment the workers number of businesses are already international brands. decide to go to Mauritius for work. vulnerable workers championing anti-slavery measures in For example, this project will help These industries employ thousands of global trade. Together, we will work to In the project, we are harnessing stop the practice of workers paying migrant workers from countries such engage more businesses to protect the technology to address and prevent recruitment fees to unethical recruitment as Bangladesh, Madagascar and India. workers from slavery in global supply modern slavery. agencies prior to migrating, which traps Many of these vulnerable people go chains until it is a standard across Many migrant workers get trapped in workers in . to Mauritius in the hope of finding the globe. opportunities to provide for their abusive situations because they don’t Our local partners on the ground will families, but end up being exploited know where to get help or they fear provide pre-departure training for Help end slavery in global supply by unscrupulous employers, with some reprisals from their exploiters. migrant workers in Bangladesh, India becoming trapped in situations of slavery. chains: www.antislavery.org/donate To address this, ASOS is developing a and Madagascar prior to embarking or see back page. Many international brands source their special smartphone app that will not on their journey to Mauritius. This will reporter reporter autumn 2019 autumn 2019 28 celebrating supporters 29

The Secret Garden Boho Ball Mark our 180th anniversary Dancing for freedom lead by Anti-Slavery supporter Ben Hammond, aka the Planet  In March, Hannah Clegg organised the at our Supporter Prancer, at the conference in 2018. Secret Garden Boho Ball in support of Anti- Conference and AGM Photo: Anti-Slavery International Slavery International in Landscove in Devon.  You are an essential part of “I’d heard so many moving stories of James, Luke and Nic the Anti-Slavery movement and people who are still enslaved today that training for the ride. we would like to invite you to I felt compelled to do something to help”, attend our Member and Supporter she said. 100 miles towards Conference and AGM at the Great Hall, The ball was a huge success and raised freedom Goodenough College, London, on an incredible £1,116.00 for Anti-Slavery. Thursday 14th November 2019. “We can’t change the world alone, but I’m  Over the summer, Hosted by Patron and ITV Newsreader, convinced if we all do our small bits to Anti-Slavery supporters Julie Etchingham, the event promises James, Luke and Nic cycled an help, we can make a difference, together, to be an inspiring and thought-provoking afternoon. incredible 100 miles through she added.” London’s streets and over You’ll get a special update on the work that you support in the UK and overseas, Surrey’s hills in the Prudential a panel will debate how to tackle slavery in the digital age, and performers from Secret Garden Soho Ball, Ride London. A huge well done musical Freedom Song will tell the story of a famous group formed by former Photo: Hannah Clegg for completing the race and slaves, Fisk Singers, in 19th century America. collectively raising an impressive Members will have an opportunity to vote on matters critical to the organisation. £1,175 for Anti-Slavery. To secure your place for you and your friends, please register online at Could it be YOU taking on the www.antislavery.org/agm by Friday 27th October or call 020 7501 8920. challenge next year? Our places Places are limited and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis. are now open! Secure yours today by contacting Rebecca on [email protected] or Freedom yoga 0207 737 9434.  Throughout February and March, Yoga teacher Dress against slavery Jess Ballard donated all proceeds from her classes  We are excited to announce that Anti-Slavery to Anti-Slavery. has been chosen as a partner for the Dressember “I feel incredibly lucky to be campaign this year. able to teach and create a The Dressember challenge is a fun and easy way to Yoga teacher Jess Ballard. safe space for individuals. Photo: Jess Ballard make a difference for people in slavery. By pledging No-one should feel unsafe to wear a dress or tie every day during the month of December, you’ll have the or be exploited, and I’m opportunity to raise funds and awareness for the fight against . shocked there are an estimated 10 million children in slavery today. This is why This year, your participation in Dressember will support Anti-Slavery’s work. I chose to support Anti-Slavery and spread the word on your incredible work.” You can find information, resources and sign up at www.dressember.org. Jess has raised a generous £236. Thank you Jess! reporter reporter autumn 2019 autumn 2019 , I want to protect adults and children from slavery 30 celebrating supporters celebrating supporters 31 Please accept my gift of £ The RAG students in Prague after Team Anti-Slavery does hitchhiking from Edinburgh. Photo: Edinburgh RAG Why I support Anti-Slavery it again  It was another incredible day

for Team Anti-Slavery at the Great As a historian of slavery, I struggle with the notion North Run – the world’s biggest that the cruelty of slavery hasn’t been confined to the half marathon. A huge thank you to history books. We need to wake up to the reality that Title First name Mya, Heather, Maria, Martha, Emily, slavery exists today. We must make sure that people Surname Jake and Amy, who at the date of who hope for better lives are not confined to ruthless Address this publication have so far raised exploitation and terrifying abuse instead. £2,764.09 – We need to get to work again: raise awareness, Postcode amazing! Students’ amazing effort campaign and press the government to start taking Become a member and help end slavery for good Could YOU be for freedom slavery more seriously. part of Team  Anti-Slavery International was This is why I became a patron of Anti-Slavery International. I am raising my Anti-Slavery lucky enough to be selected as one voice today and calling on people all over the world to get behind the next year? of Edinburgh University’s Raising campaign to end slavery once and for all. Secure your and Giving (RAG) society’s charity place today Benjamin Lawrance is Professor of African History at the University of Arizona partners for the 2018/19 academic by emailing and Editor-in-Chief of African Studies Review. He has recently become a new year. The students ran imaginative Rebecca on patron of Anti-Slavery International. events including hitchhike challenges r.chambers@ to Paris and Prague, a battle antislavery.org Jake and Emily after of the bands and a ball, raising the run. or by phoning an incredible £10,393.48 for The fact that slavery is still taking place today Photo: Emily 0207 737 9434. McDonnell-Thomas Anti-Slavery’s life-changing work. is scandalous. A huge thanks! Five years ago, when I found this out, I was horrified and felt compelled to take action. I still find it hard Feeling inspired by stories of modern anti-slavery abolitionists? to believe it is happening in the UK, right now. Want to raise funds to deliver freedom from slavery? Working for the Co-op, I have been lucky enough Not sure where to start? to combine my desire to campaign for change with We’ve got it covered with our new free fundraising pack to help the opportunity to harness the resources of a huge you organise your very own event. It’s packed full of inspiration, business for the cause. Co-op members, colleagues tips and advice on how to successfully organise your own and customers care deeply about this issue and that’s fundraising event or challenge. been a huge inspiration for me. Anti-Slavery have helped guide my work To order your pack today please and encouraged the Co-op to go above and beyond in its actions. visit www.antislavery.org/diy or email us on Alison Scowen, as the Co-op’s Senior Campaigns and Public Affairs Manager, Please contact me about how my workplace local community can support the work of Anti-Slavery International. [email protected]. campaigns against slavery in the UK. She also ran the Great North Run in 2018, We look forward to hearing from you about your ideas raising £645 in direct support of Anti-Slavery, and recruited many of her to support Anti-Slavery’s transformational work. colleagues to do the same. Please return this form to Anti-Slavery International, Thomas Clarkeson House, The Stableyard, Broomgrove Road, London SW9 9TL reporter autumn 2019 32

We have supported slave-descent communities to find their freedom. Photo: Anti-Slavery International

New communities start their path to freedom  Recently, as a result of the influence by communities of former slaves supported by our project in Niger, two new groups of people have left their masters and established their own independent villages. The new communities are made up of 300 and 400 people. Photo: Stokpic Photo: Our project in Niger provides a platform for people of slave decent, who have escaped their masters, to come together as a community and start living freely. Help end slavery Within these communities we provide primary school education, vocational training for adults and microloans for people to start their own businesses. once and for all These communities thrive in freedom and increasingly influence their neighbouring villages, where people still live tied to their masters. As people who were born By leaving a gift in your Will to Anti-Slavery in slavery and don’t know anything beyond it, it is hugely challenging to move away and cut ties with their masters, so this move is very significant. International you will be helping future Good luck to them on their new path to freedom, we are excited for it to generations to live in freedom. be spreading!

To find out more about our work and leaving a gift in your Will, please Please donate now to give fill in your details below and post to: Anti-Slavery International, the gift of freedom: Thomas Clarkson House, The Stableyard, Broomgrove Road, London SW9 9TL Donate today Title ...... First Name...... Last Name ......  £12 could help pay for school supplies at www.antislavery.org/donate for two children for a whole year. Address ...... To join as a member for ...... Postcode ......  £24 could help pay for a whole years’ £5 per month, go to education for a child born into slavery. www.antislavery.org/ I would like to receive more information about gifts in Wills  £50 could help provide microcredits to membership I would be interested in a free Will service if one was made available support survivors of slavery to set up or call us on 020 7501 8920 I’ve included / intend to include Anti-Slavery in my Will (delete as required) their own small business.