‘Still more to be done’ on modern slavery declaration anniversary

On 2 December 2024 it will be ten years since Pope Francis along with other leaders from the world’s major faiths, alongside people from the business, political and civil sectors from around the world bridged cultural, religious and political divides to come together and pledge an end to modern slavery and human trafficking. 

Here, our director Patrick O’Dowd, shares more about why it is important that this work continues – and why it matters so much here in our area. 

Reports published recently show that a growing number of people both around the world and here in the UK are at risk of modern slavery – the Global Slavery Index estimates 50 million people worldwide and 122,000 in the UK. 

On the anniversary of The Joint Declaration of Religious Leaders Against Modern Slavery, it’s important to not only stop and reflect on progress that has been made over the last years to eradicate modern slavery in all its forms, but also to strengthen all of our resolve as we continue efforts to end it. 

The declaration, which was signed in 2014, recognised the power of reaching humanity through the channels of faith and religion and the solidarity of the different communities was a symbolic demonstration that modern slavery is not acceptable in the eyes of any of the faith communities.   

As a charity, we support people who have experienced modern slavery and we’re urging that, on this important anniversary, we all take a moment to consider how we – or the places we work, the organisations we engage with, or the brands we buy – can help bring about the end of modern slavery with urgent action. 

This is not just a global issue, but modern slavery is impacting the lives of people in our own local communities here in Greater Manchester and Lancashire and it’s vital that we unite to take a stand, to understand ways to recognise those affected, and eradicate it in all its forms.   

The Diocese of Salford and our charity have already been working to tackle modern slavery in our communities by providing pastoral and practical support to survivors of modern slavery, providing shelter and other forms of assistance to help people rebuild their lives, taking steps to ensure that goods and services procured by the Church are free from slave labour by implementing supply chain monitoring mechanisms and supporting fair trade initiatives. We’ve also been collaborating with police, statutory agencies and other charities to help identify and support survivors and establish partnerships to enhance anti-slavery efforts including offering free training to parishes or community groups on how to respond. 

Everyone, regardless of gender, age, or background, is inherently free and created to live in equality and solidarity with others. Modern slavery, whether through human trafficking, forced labour, sexual exploitation, organ trafficking, or any form of exploitation that denies the basic human dignity and freedom of others, is a profound violation and crime against humanity.  

While much has been done since 2014 in the work to end modern slavery, despite best efforts there is still more to be done.  We should all, whatever our faith and whichever communities we are part of, unite to commit ourselves with renewed energy to address this heinous offence against the dignity of the person.     

Every person deserves to be safe, secure and protected and everyone in the communities we work alongside deserves that human dignity to be preserved.   

On this anniversary we commit ourselves in Caritas Salford to continuing our collaboration with others, and to work tirelessly for the liberation of all those who are trapped in slavery and trafficking and encourage all people to join in this work. We are determined to restore their dignity and offer them a future filled with hope.    

If you’d like to find out more about the issues around modern slavery, how to spot signs of it, and how to prevent it or support those who are victims of it, we are running free training sessions in communities across Greater Manchester and Lancashire. 

If your parish or community group is interested in finding out more, please contact Matt Yates: m.yates@caritassalford.org.uk  You can read more about a recent training session by clicking here.