On the International Day of Abolition of Slavery, it is time to make tackling modern slavery everyone’s business.

Emilian Isibo, Policy Officer on the need for leadership in the fight against modern slavery.

The fight against slavery has always been driven by bold leadership. Progress has depended on those willing to stand up against injustice, and on this International Day of Abolition of Slavery 2024, we are reminded that although significant strides have been made since the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade, modern slavery remains a persistent and urgent issue that requires leadership from all sectors of society.

To end modern slavery, leadership is needed across every corner of society. Governments, businesses, civil society, and individuals all have a critical role to play. Crucially, the voices of survivors and those with lived experience must be central to the movement, ensuring that their experiences inform the decisions being made.

Past Leadership: The Abolitionists Who Changed History

The abolition of slavery in the 18th and 19th centuries was propelled by remarkable individuals, not only from politics, but also from businesses, civil society, and those who had endured slavery themselves. Their collective action dismantled one of the most brutal systems in history, and their legacy continues to inspire the fight for freedom today.

Political Leadership

• William Wilberforce: As an MP for Kingston upon Hull and later Yorkshire, Wilberforce played a pivotal role in the abolition movement. His relentless lobbying and dedication culminated in the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act in 1807, after he was exposed to the horrific realities of the slave trade through the evidence presented by Thomas Clarkson.
• Granville Sharp: A lawyer and activist, Sharp used his legal expertise to secure freedom for enslaved people like Jonathan Strong. His work helped set the precedent for the Somerset v Stewart case in 1772, which declared that slaves could not be held in bondage once they set foot in England.

Lived Experience Leadership

The voices of those who had endured slavery themselves were among the most powerful in advocating for its abolition.

• James Somerset: Somerset’s 1772 court case, where he challenged his captivity, was a landmark in the abolition movement. The case set a crucial legal precedent by declaring that an enslaved man could not be forcibly removed from England, marking a significant victory for the abolitionist cause. 
• Ottobah Cugoano: A former enslaved African, Cugoano became an outspoken critic of slavery, using his experiences to expose its horrors and call for its abolition.

Business Leadership 

Business leaders also played a key role in the abolition movement.

• Josiah Wedgwood: A renowned potter, Wedgwood produced anti-slavery medallions in 1787, helping to raise public awareness and mobilise support for abolition through his business acumen and activism.
• Joseph Sturge: A Quaker philanthropist, Sturge was instrumental in exposing the abuses of slavery in the British colonies and advocated for ethical business practices, as well as political reforms such as the extension of suffrage and the repeal of the Corn Laws.

Civil Society & Advocacy Leadership

• Hannah More: A poet and reformist, More used her writings to influence public opinion and inspire moral action against slavery, contributing to the growing abolitionist movement in Britain. 
• Ignatius Sancho: Born aboard a slave ship, Sancho escaped slavery and became one of Britain’s most vocal abolitionists. His written works, as well as his actions, played a significant role in galvanising support for the abolition movement.

The Need for Leadership Today: Where Do We Stand?

As we mark International Day of Abolition 2024, it’s crucial to consider where we stand in the fight against modern slavery. While the Modern Slavery Act of 2015 represented an important step forward, the reality is that modern slavery remains deeply entrenched in global systems. The momentum gained from past abolitionists risks stagnating unless leadership across all sectors intensifies.

Despite the progress made, we continue to face significant challenges:

• Governments often lack the focus, political will, and resources to comprehensively address modern slavery on a global scale. 
• Corporations still frequently prioritise profit over ethics, with many failing to implement adequate measures to eliminate slavery from their supply chains. 
• Public awareness remains insufficient, with many still unaware of the prevalence of modern slavery or the ways they can contribute to its eradication.

A Call for Renewed Leadership: Making Tackling Modern Slavery Everyone’s Business

To confront modern slavery effectively, leadership must come from every part of society. It requires a unified, coordinated approach to prevent exploitation, protect victims, and prosecute offenders. 

• Government: The UK Government needs to develop a modern slavery strategy to ensure that all parts of government have the mandate and resources to do their part in ending this serious and organised crime.
• Survivors’ voices must lead the way. Their lived experiences are vital in shaping policies and recovery services that meet their needs and empower them to drive change. The UK Government must establish a survivor advisory council. 
• Businesses must step up. Companies have a duty to ensure ethical operations, with penalties for those falling short. The UK Government needs to introduce Mandatory Human Rights Due Diligence and strengthen the Transparency in Supply Chains Clause of the Modern Slavery Act. 
• Civil Society & Advocacy: NGOs are on the frontline of victim identification and support, and in advocacy as well as in investigations. The UK Government needs to develop strong and effective partnerships and provide sustainable funding to civil society.

Finally, public awareness is crucial. Advocacy campaigns and education help communities recognise and report exploitation, ensuring everyone plays a role in eradicating modern slavery.

A Shared Responsibility: Making Tackling Modern Slavery Everyone’s Business

On International Day of Abolition 2024, it is essential to understand that leadership in the fight against slavery is a collective responsibility. As past abolitionists like James Somerset and Ottobah Cugoano showed us, one person’s actions can ignite a movement, but it is only through collective efforts that we can bring about lasting change.

Today, it is up to all of us—governments, businesses, communities, and individuals—to take action. We must act together, driven by the belief that freedom is a fundamental human right, not a privilege. By making the fight against modern slavery everyone’s responsibility, we can work together to ensure that one day, modern slavery will be a thing of the past.