The Office of the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner

"Since the Modern Slavery Act 2015 was passed, much has been achieved to improve our awareness and understanding of modern slavery and human trafficking. I have seen firsthand the dedicated teams across the UK who work tirelessly everyday to support victims of modern slavery and pursue the perpetrators of these crimes. I commend their commitment. 
These are solid foundations to build on. Now we must push forward if we are to achieve the UN Sustainability Development Goal of ending forced labour, modern slavery, and human trafficking by 2030. Tackling modern slavery is everyone’s business."

Eleanor Lyons,
Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner

The Office of the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner has a UK-wide mission to encourage good practice in the prevention of individuals from becoming exploited and revictimised; the protection of victims through increased identification and professional support; and the successful prosecutions of modern slavery offences.

At the heart of all of this, we will listen to, and incorporate the voices of those with lived experience of modern slavery into our work and policymakers' thinking. Additionally, we strive to improve knowledge and understanding of modern slavery and what measures are most effective at tackling it.

Modern slavery is an umbrella term encompassing, but not limited to: slavery, servitude, forced or compulsory labour and human trafficking. Its victims are unable to leave their situation of exploitation, often controlled by threats, punishment, violence, coercion, grooming and deception.

Slavery violates fundamental human rights, denying people of their right to life, freedom, and security.