Merseyside Police and Crime Commissioner

Stand against modern slavery and human trafficking

07.10.24
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Merseyside

Merseyside’s Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner will join hundreds of local people in this year’s Walk for Freedom, marking 10 years of raising awareness of modern slavery and human trafficking.

On a day of global action, thousands of people will take to the streets in hundreds of cities around the world, all with one common goal; to raise awareness about modern slavery and how to end it.

Liverpool, along with other British cities, has regularly participated in taking a stand against social injustice, calling for freedom for individuals trapped in modern slavery, speaking out for those whose voices have been silenced by fear and manipulation, hidden victims whose identities, dignity and possessions have been stolen and their lives controlled by criminal gangs.

This year’s A21 Walk For Freedom Liverpool will take place on Saturday 19 October 2024, starting at the International Slavery Museum, Royal Albert Docks, before embarking on a 2 mile route through the busy shopping area and waterfront of Liverpool city center . Participants walk in single file, holding signs with information about what slavery looks like today.

It is believed that more people are enslaved today than during the transatlantic slave trade, with an estimated 50 million people worldwide living as slaves today.

In Britain alone, it is estimated that there are more than 100,000 victims quietly hidden in everyday places such as car washes, brothels, nail salons and restaurants.

Forms of modern slavery include forced labour, forced marriage, sexual exploitation and domestic servitude. More than half of the victims (53%) are women and children.

There is also an increasing use of technology by criminal gangs, with new forms of slavery emerging, including coercion, fake jobs on social media and the targeting of children online.

In Britain, technology has enabled criminals to exploit vulnerable people through ‘County Lines’. Gangs and organized crime networks export illegal drugs across Britain via dedicated mobile phone lines. They often recruit children and vulnerable adults to move and store drugs and money on their behalf, using tactics such as coercion, intimidation and violence.

Over the years, the A21 Walk For Freedom Liverpool has helped bring together individuals and organizations committed to ending modern slavery in the city, such as Hope for justice, Stop the traffic, Together Liverpool and the Social Justice Team at Liverpool Cathedral.

Jeanie Bell, Merseyside Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner, said: “Modern slavery remains a hidden crime, making it harder to rescue victims and bring to justice those who choose to exploit vulnerable people.

“Unfortunately Merseyside is no exception. That is why it is so important that we try to ensure that people in our region know how to recognize the signs of exploitation, so that we can prevent this heinous crime from happening.

“Merseyside Police are committed to tackling this serious problem, but they cannot do this alone. Raising awareness is the first step to prevent this and protect victims. We need local people living and working in our communities day in, day out, to be able to recognize what signs of modern slavery might be and to report any concerns they have. By doing this, they can save a vulnerable person from a lifetime of exploitation and slavery.”

Dr. Esther Cole, member of the Hope For Justice – Liverpool & Wirral Abolition Group, organizers of this year’s event, said: “We are proud to support the A21 Walk For Freedom Liverpool. Raising awareness and educating people about modern slavery can prevent someone from becoming a victim.

“As consumers, we can ask companies to control their supply chains, fight human rights abuses and stop the exploitation of workers in the production of goods and services.

“We can encourage each other to be vigilant and recognize the signs of modern slavery. If something is wrong and you believe someone is a victim of modern slavery, you can report it to the Modern Slavery Helpline.”

If you would like to take part in this year’s Liverpool Walk For Freedom, you can register online.

Information about A21 Liverpool Walk For Freedom:

Participants can arrive at the International Slavery Museum, Royal Albert Dock, Liverpool from 10am. The walk officially starts at 11 a.m. and lasts approximately 90 minutes. Please carry all black. Signs and banners will be provided. Wheelchairs, prams and prams are welcome. Non-walking volunteer positions are also available.

If you have any questions, please contact the event organizers:

(email protected)