News
Our children, our responsibility: tackling trafficking on Human Rights Day
Human Rights Day serves as a powerful reminder to reflect on those most vulnerable in our society, particularly children and young people at risk of exploitation. This year’s theme “Our rights, our future, right now” emphasises the urgency of protecting vulnerable individuals from human trafficking - a hidden crisis happening in our communities.
Across the UK, children - many of them British - are being drawn into the shadows of trafficking and exploitation. In other cases, young migrants arrive in search of safety but find themselves trapped in dangerous situations.
The crisis of child trafficking in the UK
According to the new report by ECPAT UK and the Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner, referrals for trafficked children have risen by 138% in just five years, with British children making up 78% of cases in 2023. Yet, the current system fails many of these children. Challenges include:
- Low conviction rates: Few traffickers face justice for their crimes.
- Lack of support services: Critical programmes, such as Independent Child Trafficking Guardians, are unavailable in 40% of local authorities.
- Harmful legislation: Laws like the Nationality and Borders Act 2022 and the Illegal Migration Act 2023 create barriers for trafficked children, preventing them from receiving the protection they need.
What needs to change
The report provides a roadmap for how we can tackle child trafficking effectively:
- Investing in early intervention: Preventing exploitation by addressing vulnerabilities before they are exploited.
- Improving research and data: Understanding trafficking networks to disrupt them effectively.
- Expanding access to support services: Making critical services like Independent Child Trafficking Guardians available nationwide.
- Repealing harmful laws: Removing barriers to protection and ensuring trafficked children are treated as victims, not criminals.
- Strengthening law enforcement: Ensuring traffickers are held accountable while victims are safeguarded and supported.
A comprehensive, UK-wide child exploitation strategy is essential to turning these recommendations into action.
Building a safer future
Every child deserves the chance to grow up free from harm. Preventing child trafficking isn’t just a moral duty - it’s a shared responsibility as tackling modern slavery is everyone’s business.
Together, we can build a future where no child is left vulnerable to exploitation, ensuring their rights are protected and their futures are bright.
To learn more about how you can help and the steps we can take, read the full report here and join us in protecting trafficked children.
