An Issue that doesn't stop during a pandemic: Modern day Slavery

Chances are, you're in some sort of lockdown. These times have reminded me about people living in modern-day slavery because even in times like this, we still have more freedom than them.

For those that don't know much about modern-day slavery I'll explain a bit about it. A lot of people think that slavery was abolished in history as we're taught in school. However, slavery didn't end: it just got different. There are more slaves in the world today than ever before in history. It also comes in many forms. One of the things people don't realise is that people working in a company could also be victims of modern-day slavery through someone else forcing them to work there. Children are also victims of modern-day slavery. I was at a talk during a church camp in the summer led by a charity called IJM there was one sentence that I remember which was "in the next 75 minutes, 150 children will be sold and in the following 75 minutes another 150 will be sold".

While the world is shutting down, an issue like this is not.

People in modern-day slavery are still going to be forced to work against their will. An article that I was reading earlier said they could even be at increased risk during these times as they will not reach for help when needed. Just before the lockdown in the UK happened, I had spent a week isolated in my room as much as possible and it got me thinking. Being confined to one to room is everyday reality to many of these people and has been for a long time. Again, I was still far better off then them: I had support from people nearby and phone calls. These people do not get that and endure far worse alongside that.

I believe slavery may even be more hidden in this time as the people who would be able to spot signs will be spending most of their time in their own houses themselves. I feel it's important that we are still aware of the issues like this during these times as they can be forgotten (including by myself).

Charities that work to fight against modern-day slavery cannot fundraise in their usual ways (such as holding fundraising events) though these charities are still working to help people. This means they are going to need people to donate though their online platforms. Below are a list of charities and descriptions and links to their websites. If you wanted to donate, I'm sure it would be greatly appreciated. You will also be able to find out more about modern-day slavery.

Hope for Justice: a charity that fights to end modern-day slavery and rescues people in this situation, helping them rebuild their lives. It also educates people to prevent them falling victim and works with businesses to spot signs and keep it out of their supply chains. https://hopeforjustice.org/

IJM: another charity that works to rescue people in slavery as well as working with law enforcement in countries to help them enforce anti-slavery laws to prevent more people from being held captive. Their website says that during this time, they are working from home and are still doing everything they can to help these people as much as the government allows. https://www.ijmuk.org/

Rebuild: a charity local to me that works to help victims of modern-day slavery rebuild their lives. From what I know, they are for the time being continuing these operations and supporting people over the phone rather than face-to-face. https://www.rebuildproject.org/

Just-Ice: this is also local to me. It started out as one ice-cream shop set up to help victims of human trafficking and modern-day slavery, employing survivors of this. They opened a second cafe last year. They have had to close both places due to the current situation. I'm fairly sure they could still use the money to help at this time. On their website’s donate page, there are details to enable donations. https://www.just-ice.org/donate

Thank you for reading. The reality is we don't know if the person living next door to us is a victim of modern-day slavery. With this lockdown that statement is even more of important to consider as mentioned earlier this is going to be more hidden due to everyone staying home.